Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for the generation of methane from organic material and for reducing chemical oxygen demand and nitrogenous waste through denitrification. The invention further relates to an electrode for use in, and a system for, the adaptive control of bio-electrochemical systems as well as a fuel cell.

Abstract: Anaerobic wastewater treatment systems, devices and methods complete three-phase separation of biogas, liquids and solids (e.g., biomass) using overlapped gas hoods or baffles and one or more conically-shaped settlers having a varying cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Wastewater containing organic matter may be treated using a multi-zone apparatus. In a first zone, organic matter in the wastewater may, among other things, be converted to at least volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and, thereafter, a portion of the treated wastewater may flow to a second zone that may, among other things, convert the VFAs to methane.

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES) for use as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) sensors, systems incorporating BES sensors for measuring BOD, and methods of using the sensors and systems for measuring BOD. The disclosed sensors are inexpensive to construct, long-lasting, have a fast response, and a large dynamic range. The invention includes biological oxygen demand (BOD) sensors which incorporate at least three working electrodes, at least one counter electrode, a reservoir for dilution fluid, and a sensor for measuring an electric current or a voltage which flows from the working electrodes to the counter electrode. The BOD sensors will typically also include at least one electrically active microbe disposed in proximity to the working electrode.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe apparatuses and related processes for improving mixing and sheer in a fixed film reactor. One process can include recycling at least a portion of a biogas product through at least one sparger below a fixed film zone in the fixed film reactor at conditions sufficient for mixing and sheering the film from an internal structure within the fixed film zone. Often, a cross-sectional area of the fixed film zone fills at least about 90% of a cross-sectional area of the fixed film reactor.

Abstract: The effectiveness and efficiency of wastewater treatments is computed on a real-time basis

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe apparatuses and related processes for improving mixing and sheer in a fixed film reactor. One process can include recycling at least a portion of a biogas product through at least one sparger below a fixed film zone in the fixed film reactor at conditions sufficient for mixing and sheering the film from an internal structure within the fixed film zone. Often, a cross-sectional area of the fixed film zone fills at least about 90% of a cross-sectional area of the fixed film reactor.

Abstract: An electrode for use in bio-electrochemical systems is described, including: a substantially planar electrode material; a frame comprising a non-conductive substance; and one or more first conductive substances linked or secured to the frame. Bio-electrochemical systems, racks for inserting the electrode, and methods of using the racks are also described.

Abstract: System and methods for treating multi-component waste streams. In general, systems and methods described herein employ a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a barrier and a filtration component that is fluidically connected to the first and second chambers. A waste stream to be treated will flow into the first chamber for treatment of the carbon-containing waste, then into the filtration component for the separation of the stream into a solid waste fraction and a liquid waste fraction.

Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for treating wastewater, and sour gas produced by anaerobic digestion of organic material. The invention further relates to novel anode/cathode pairing schemes, and electric and hydraulic architectures for use in bio-electrochemical systems.

Abstract: Wastewater containing organic matter may be treated using a multi-zone apparatus. In a first zone, organic matter in the wastewater may, among other things, be converted to at least volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and, thereafter, a portion of the treated wastewater may flow to a second zone that may, among other things, convert the VFAs to methane.

Abstract: The invention relates to bio-electrochemical systems for the generation of methane from organic material and for reducing chemical oxygen demand and nitrogenous waste through denitrification. The invention further relates to an electrode for use in, and a system for, the adaptive control of bio-electrochemical systems as well as a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of surface water monitoring. More specifically, the present invention provides low-cost, real-time bio-electrochemical sensors for surface water monitoring based on the metabolism of one or more electrogenic microbes.

Abstract: The invention includes a variety of systems that can be used to remove contaminants from a fluidic medium, typically an aqueous medium. In an embodiment, the systems contain treatment zones including a semi-permeable barrier constructed to segregate cultures of microorganisms that metabolize the contaminants from the media. The semi-permeable barriers allow the contaminants to be exchanged between the medium and the culture, however the culture is kept away from the media. With time, the microorganisms consume the contaminants and the medium is cleaned. In some embodiments, the system additionally includes electrodes and uses exoelectrogenic microorganisms to remove contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of surface water monitoring. More specifically, the present invention provides low-cost, real-time bio-electrochemical sensors for surface water monitoring based on the metabolism of one or more electrogenic microbes.

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES) for use as Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) sensors, systems incorporating BES sensors for measuring BOD, and methods of using the sensors and systems for measuring BOD. The disclosed sensors are inexpensive to construct, long-lasting, have a fast response, and a large dynamic range. The invention includes biological oxygen demand (BOD) sensors which incorporate at least three working electrodes, at least one counter electrode, a reservoir for dilution fluid, and a sensor for measuring an electric current or a voltage which flows from the working electrodes to the counter electrode. The BOD sensors will typically also include at least one electrically active microbe disposed in proximity to the working electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of surface water monitoring. More specifically, the present invention provides low-cost, real-time bio-electrochemical sensors for surface water monitoring based on the metabolism of one or more electrogenic microbes.