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This review examines microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) as sustainable alternatives for nitrogen removal in marine and coastal environments. The paper contextualizes the problem of nitrogen cycle disturbance and coastal eutrophication from submarine sewage outfalls and aquaculture, compares conventional physicochemical and biological treatment technologies, and evaluates METs—particularly bioelectrochemical reactors and sediment-based fuel cells—as cost-efficient solutions leveraging microbial metabolism. Key challenges include achieving simultaneous nitrification-denitrification in complex marine systems and enriching appropriate microbial consortia.

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Abstract

For many years, the world’s coastal marine ecosystems have received industrial waste with high nitrogen concentrations, generating the eutrophication of these ecosystems. Different physicochemical-biological technologies have been developed to remove the nitrogen present in wastewater. However, conventional technologies have high operating costs and excessive production of brines or sludge which compromise the sustainability of the treatment. Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) have begun to gain attention due to their cost-efficiency in removing nitrogen and organic matter using the metabolic capacity of microorganisms. This article combines a critical review of the environmental problems associated with the discharge of the excess nitrogen and the biological processes involved in its biogeochemical cycle; with a comparative analysis of conventional treatment technologies and METs especially designed for nitrogen removal. Finally, current METs limitations and perspectives as a sustainable nitrogen treatment alternative and efficient microbial enrichment techniques are included.

Keywords

Biogeochemical cycleEutrophicationNitrogen cycleMarine ecosystemEcosystemNitrogen

Identifiers

DOI
10.3390/ijerph19042411
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Year
2022