Papers by Tyler Huggins
This study demonstrates that electrodes in a bioelectrochemical system (BES) can potentially serv... more This study demonstrates that electrodes in a bioelectrochemical system (BES) can potentially serve as a nonexhaustible electron acceptor for in situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil. The deployment of BES not only eliminates aeration or supplement of electron acceptors as in contemporary bioremediation but also significantly shortens the remediation period and produces sustainable electricity. More interestingly, the study reveals that microbial metabolism and community structure distinctively respond to the bioelectrochemically enhanced remediation. Tubular BESs with carbon cloth anode (CCA) or biochar anode (BCA) were inserted into raw water saturated soils containing petroleum hydrocarbons for enhancing in situ remediation. Results show that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal rate almost doubled in soils close to the anode (63.5−78.7%) than that in the open circuit positive controls (37.6−43.4%) during a period of 64 days. The maximum current density from the BESs ranged from 73 to 86 mA/m 2 . Comprehensive microbial and chemical characterizations and statistical analyses show that the residual TPH has a strongly positive correlation with hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms (HDM) numbers, dehydrogenase activity, and lipase activity and a negative correlation with soil pH, conductivity, and catalase activity. Distinctive microbial communities were identified at the anode, in soil with electrodes, and soil without electrodes. Uncommon electrochemically active bacteria capable of hydrocarbon degradation such as Comamonas testosteroni, Pseudomonas putida, and Ochrobactrum anthropi were selectively enriched on the anode, while hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria were dominant in soil samples. Results from genus or phylum level characterizations well agree with the data from cluster analysis. Data from this study suggests that a unique constitution of microbial communities may play a key role in BES enhancement of petroleum hydrocarbons biodegradation in soils.
Bioresource Technology, 2014
Wood-based biochars were used as microbial fuel cell electrodes to significantly reduce cost and ... more Wood-based biochars were used as microbial fuel cell electrodes to significantly reduce cost and carbon
footprint. The biochar was made using forestry residue (BCc) and compressed milling residue (BCp). Sideby-
side comparison show the specific area of BCp (469.9 m2 g1) and BCc (428.6 cm2 g1) is lower than
granular activated carbon (GAC) (1247.8 m2 g1) but higher than graphite granule (GG) (0.44 m2 g1).
Both biochars showed power outputs of 532 ± 18 mWm2 (BCp) and 457 ± 20 mWm2 (BCc), comparable
with GAC (674 ± 10 mWm2) and GG (566 ± 5mW m2). However, lower material expenses made
their power output cost 17–35 US$W1, 90% cheaper than GAC (402 US$W1) or GG (392 US$W1).
Biochar from waste also reduced the energy and carbon footprint associated with electrode manufacturing
and the disposal of which could have additional agronomic benefits.
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology provides a low cost alternative to conventional aerated wast... more Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology provides a low cost alternative to conventional aerated wastewater treatment, however, there has been little comparison between MFC and aeration treatment using real wastewater as the substrate. This study attempts to directly compare the wastewater treatment efficiency and energy consumption and generation among three reactor systems-a traditional aeration process, a simple submerged MFC configuration, and a control reactor acting similar as natural lagoons. Results showed that all three systems were able to remove >90% of COD, but the aeration used shorter time (8 days) than the MFC (10 days) and control reactor (25 days). Compared to aeration, the MFC showed lower removal efficiency in high COD concentration, but much higher efficiency when the COD is low. Only the aeration system showed complete nitrification during the operation, reflected by completed ammonia removal and nitrate accumulation. Suspended solid measurements showed that MFC reduced sludge production by 52-82% as compared to aeration, and it also saved 100% of aeration energy. Furthermore, though not designed for high power generation, the MFC reactor showed a 0.3 Wh/g COD/L or 24 Wh/m 3 (wastewater treated) net energy gain in electricity generation. These results demonstrate that MFC technology could be integrated into wastewater infrastructure to meet effluent quality and save operational cost.
Conference Presentations by Tyler Huggins
Talks by Tyler Huggins
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Papers by Tyler Huggins
footprint. The biochar was made using forestry residue (BCc) and compressed milling residue (BCp). Sideby-
side comparison show the specific area of BCp (469.9 m2 g1) and BCc (428.6 cm2 g1) is lower than
granular activated carbon (GAC) (1247.8 m2 g1) but higher than graphite granule (GG) (0.44 m2 g1).
Both biochars showed power outputs of 532 ± 18 mWm2 (BCp) and 457 ± 20 mWm2 (BCc), comparable
with GAC (674 ± 10 mWm2) and GG (566 ± 5mW m2). However, lower material expenses made
their power output cost 17–35 US$W1, 90% cheaper than GAC (402 US$W1) or GG (392 US$W1).
Biochar from waste also reduced the energy and carbon footprint associated with electrode manufacturing
and the disposal of which could have additional agronomic benefits.
Conference Presentations by Tyler Huggins
Talks by Tyler Huggins
footprint. The biochar was made using forestry residue (BCc) and compressed milling residue (BCp). Sideby-
side comparison show the specific area of BCp (469.9 m2 g1) and BCc (428.6 cm2 g1) is lower than
granular activated carbon (GAC) (1247.8 m2 g1) but higher than graphite granule (GG) (0.44 m2 g1).
Both biochars showed power outputs of 532 ± 18 mWm2 (BCp) and 457 ± 20 mWm2 (BCc), comparable
with GAC (674 ± 10 mWm2) and GG (566 ± 5mW m2). However, lower material expenses made
their power output cost 17–35 US$W1, 90% cheaper than GAC (402 US$W1) or GG (392 US$W1).
Biochar from waste also reduced the energy and carbon footprint associated with electrode manufacturing
and the disposal of which could have additional agronomic benefits.