Banner
Banner

Electron flows in electro-active biofilms

  • 1 May, 2020
  • Wageningen University, Environmental Technology
  • dr ir A ter Heijne
  • prof. dr CJN Buismandr ir JBM Klok

The removal of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) can be done via biological desulfurisation. Haloalkaline sulfur oxidising bacteria (SOB) are able to convert dissolved hydrogen sulfide into elemental sulfur in microaerobic conditions. Recently it was found that SOB have electrochemical capabilities, which when integrated into the process could be used to produce hydrogen. During the process side products such as sulfate and thiosulfates are produced via bio and chemical oxidation. The addition of an anaerobic sulfide adsorber/uptake chamber between the gas stripping chamber and the aerobic chamber reduces by-product formation and showed increased discharge of the cells in a bioelectrochemical cell. The mechanisms behind sulfide uptake and storage inside SOB is still unknown. It is hypothesised that three sulfide uptake mechanisms are the main contributors: oxidation in anaerobic conditions, persulfidation of the proteome and storage in sulfur globules. In this project, a measuring method will be built to study the effect of process parameters on the sulfide uptake and storage, focussing on the main contributors. Eventually, a bioelectrochemical system for biological conversion of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur by SOB will be modelled, build an optimised.

Shape
Researcher

Rikke Linssen

readmore
shape Banner
We provide a disciplinary and multidisciplinary research programme aimed at advanced understanding of environmental problems and advanced training of PhD candidates in this field.
More information
shape Banner
Here you will find a selection of international events related to the socio-economic and natural sciences of the environment.
View our events