Microbial sulfide electrolysis for hydrogen recovery from sulfidic waste streams – MESHY

In today's evolving perspective on wastewater, it is increasingly recognized as a potential source of energy and valuable compounds rather than mere waste. In microbial electrolysis cells (MEC), microbially catalyzed oxidation reactions, typically involving organic compounds, support electrically the production of hydrogen gas (H2) at the cathode of the cell. However, MECs, face limitations in large-scale applications due to the characteristics of domestic wastewater – low concentration organics, circumneutral pH, and low salinity, which result in limited power production capacity. Conventional water electrolyzers outperform MEC by a significant margin. In this project we aim to enable bio-resource recovery from sulfide-laden streams, additionally characterised by increased salinity and alkalinity. To achieve this goal we will investigate two distinct aspects of sulfide oxidizing bioanodes: the biofilm and the anode material. The MESHY Project will investigate the role of haloalkaliphilic microbial consortia and metal-sulfide catalysts in bioanodic sulfide oxidation in BES. The project seeks to optimize bioresource recovery by understanding the interplay between biotic and abiotic processes. Furthermore it aims to assess the capacity of bioanodic treatment of sulfidic wastewater to support long-term H2 production. In our rapidly changing world, the bioeconomy is pivotal in driving technological, economic, and social transitions. Bioelectrochemical systems offer significant potential for resource transformation and recovery. The MESHY Project showcases the sustainable management of challenging waste sources and adds to the toolbox of extremophile microbial consortia. Furthermore, it explores alternative routes to enhance bioelectrochemical processes and contribute to the bioenergy sector.