Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) can remove a variety of organic and inorganic pollutants from contaminated groundwater. However, despite significant laboratory-scale successes over the past decade, field-scale applications remain limited. We hypothesize that enhancing the electrochemical conductivity of the soil surrounding electrodes could be a groundbreaking and cost-effective alternative to deploying numerous high-surface-area electrodes in short distances. This could be achieved by injecting environmentally safe iron- or carbon-based conductive (nano)particles into the aquifer. Upon transport and deposition onto soil grains, these particles create an electrically conductive zone that can be exploited to control and fine-tune the delivery of electron donors or acceptors over large distances, thereby driving the process more efficiently. Beyond extending the radius of influence of electrodes, these diffuse electro-conductive zones (DECZ) could also promote the development of syntrophic anaerobic communities that degrade contaminants via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). In this review, we present the state-of-the-art in applying conductive materials for MET and DIET-based applications. We also provide a comprehensive overview of the physicochemical properties of candidate electrochemically conductive materials and related injection strategies suitable for field-scale implementation. Finally, we illustrate and critically discuss current and prospective electrochemical and geophysical methods for measuring soil electronic conductivity—both in the laboratory and in the field—before and after injection practices, which are crucial for determining the extent of DECZ. This review article provides critical information for a robust design and in situ implementation of groundwater electro-bioremediation processes.

Groundwater electro-bioremediation via diffuse electro-conductive zones: A critical review

Milia, Stefano;Hosseini, Seyedmehdi;Farru, Gianluigi;Cassiani, Giorgio;
2025-01-01

Abstract

Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) can remove a variety of organic and inorganic pollutants from contaminated groundwater. However, despite significant laboratory-scale successes over the past decade, field-scale applications remain limited. We hypothesize that enhancing the electrochemical conductivity of the soil surrounding electrodes could be a groundbreaking and cost-effective alternative to deploying numerous high-surface-area electrodes in short distances. This could be achieved by injecting environmentally safe iron- or carbon-based conductive (nano)particles into the aquifer. Upon transport and deposition onto soil grains, these particles create an electrically conductive zone that can be exploited to control and fine-tune the delivery of electron donors or acceptors over large distances, thereby driving the process more efficiently. Beyond extending the radius of influence of electrodes, these diffuse electro-conductive zones (DECZ) could also promote the development of syntrophic anaerobic communities that degrade contaminants via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). In this review, we present the state-of-the-art in applying conductive materials for MET and DIET-based applications. We also provide a comprehensive overview of the physicochemical properties of candidate electrochemically conductive materials and related injection strategies suitable for field-scale implementation. Finally, we illustrate and critically discuss current and prospective electrochemical and geophysical methods for measuring soil electronic conductivity—both in the laboratory and in the field—before and after injection practices, which are crucial for determining the extent of DECZ. This review article provides critical information for a robust design and in situ implementation of groundwater electro-bioremediation processes.
2025
Electro-bioremediation; DIET-based bioremediation; Diffuse electro-conductive zone; Geophysical methods; Radius of influence
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Groundwater Electro-Bioremediation via Diffuse Electro-Conductive Zones A Critical Review.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: Versione editoriale OA
Tipologia: versione editoriale (VoR)
Dimensione 2.02 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.02 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11584/429566
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 0
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 0
social impact