Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process that helps alleviate the pH gradient between anode and cathode compartments in any biological fuel cell or electrolytic cell configuration in which a pH gradient between anode and cathode is limiting the voltage efficiency. By providing acid to the cathode compartment in the form of CO2, the pH gradient is reduced and voltage efficiency and power output are increased. In one embodiment, carbon dioxide produced in the anode chamber is recycled to the cathode chamber.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell includes an anode portion having an anode and a cathode portion having a cathode. The anode is configured to support an electrically conductive biofilm matrix. A cation exchange membrane is positioned between the anode and the cathode. The anode portion and the cation exchange membrane define an anode chamber having a volume of between about 1 ?L and about 100 ?L and configured to receive an anolyte. The cathode portion and the cation exchange membrane define a cathode chamber having a volume of between about 1 ?L and about 100 ?L and configured to receive a catholyte. The microbial fuel cell is configured to achieve a Coulombic efficiency of at least 30% and/or a power density of at least of 4.7 ?W/cm2. The microbial fuel cell is a microelectromechanical system and can be fabricated in an automated production process.

Abstract: A prediction and assessment tool for bioremediation performance based on a comprehensive understanding of the link between chemical flow and microbial community interactions includes linking molecular microbial ecology data with electron and alkalinity balances to make it possible to understand dechlorinating microbial communities and their metabolic processes. The interactions of biological processes and site mineralogy result in changes to alkalinity and pH that can lead to incomplete reductive dechlorination resulting from suboptimal pH. Understanding these interactions allows for strategies to predict expected bioremediation outcomes and/or to mitigate incomplete reductive dechlorination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dehalogenating organohalides are disclosed. In one respect, the systems can generate hydrogen in an electrolysis cell and supply the hydrogen to anaerobic dehalogenating bacteria to decontaminate organohalides at a contamination site.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for removing contaminants from a body of surface water. The method and apparatus may include tubular members such as hollow-fiber components. The tubular members have a reactive gas diffused through wall of the member. Contaminants in the water can be removed when the reactive gas reacts with bacteria on the tubular member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.

Abstract: System and methods for efficiently capturing hydrogen gas from a microbial electrolytic cell. Certain aspects of the invention describe microbial electrolytic cells in which the cathode is located above the anode and proximal to a fluid level and a gas headspace in the single-chamber microbial electrolytic cell. In other aspects, the invention relates to improved and high volumetric production rate of hydrogen gas effected by increasing the geometric surface area of the electrodes. Combinations of these aspects also are contemplated.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell includes an anode portion having an anode and a cathode portion having a cathode. The anode is configured to support an electrically conductive biofilm matrix. A cation exchange membrane is positioned between the anode and the cathode. The anode portion and the cation exchange membrane define an anode chamber having a volume of between about 1 ?L and about 100 ?L and configured to receive an anolyte. The cathode portion and the cation exchange membrane define a cathode chamber having a volume of between about 1 ?L and about 100 ?L and configured to receive a catholyte. The microbial fuel cell is configured to achieve a Coulombic efficiency of at least 30% and/or a power density of at least of 4.7 ?W/cm2. The microbial fuel cell is a microelectromechanical system and can be fabricated in an automated production process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process that helps alleviate the pH gradient between anode and cathode compartments in any biological fuel cell or electrolytic cell configuration in which a pH gradient between anode and cathode is limiting the voltage efficiency. By providing acid to the cathode compartment in the form of CO2, the pH gradient is reduced and voltage efficiency and power output are increased. In one embodiment, carbon dioxide produced in the anode chamber is recycled to the cathode chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of water borne oxidized contaminants, using hydrogen as an electron donor for denitrification and reduction of other oxidized contaminants. Preliminary results reported here show that a biofilm of autotrophic denitrifiers accumulates rapidly in the wastewater setting, the MBfR can drive NO3? concentrations below 1 mgN/L, and the H2 pressure controls the NO3? flux.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for growing photosynthetic cells in conduit. The system and method supply light, CO2 and nutrients to the cells. The system and method also dampen thermal variations in the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of water borne oxidized contaminants, using hydrogen as an electron donor for denitrification and reduction of other oxidized contaminants. Preliminary results reported here show that a biofilm of autotrophic denitrifiers accumulates rapidly in the wastewater setting, the MBfR can drive NO3? concentrations below 1 mgN/L, and the H2 pressure controls the NO3? flux.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for oxidation and reduction of a reduced aqueous nitrogen contaminant.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for oxidation and reduction of a reduced aqueous nitrogen contaminant.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for oxidation and reduction of a reduced aqueous nitrogen contaminant, as can be embodied by a system comprising nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria and contacting oxygen and hydrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of water borne oxidized contaminants, using hydrogen as an electron donor for denitrification and reduction of other oxidized contaminants. Preliminary results reported here show that a biofilm of autotrophic denitrifiers accumulates rapidly in the wastewater setting, the MBfR can drive NO3? concentrations below 1 mgN/L, and the H2 pressure controls the NO3? flux.

Abstract: Removal of oxidized contaminants from water. Perchlorate and other oxidized contaminants are reduced and removed from water with a method using a primary electron acceptor.

Abstract: This invention relates to means of qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial populations potentially present in a sample. These means notably comprise the use of at least one RNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe for in situ hybridization in whole cells; followed by the extraction of those probes which have become hybridized by separation from their target and elution from the microbial cells; as well as the detection and measurement of said extracted probes.

Abstract: The reactor includes a hollow fiber membrane bundle. Pressurized hydrogen and water are introduced into a volume containing the fiber bundle. The fibers are free to separate and more independently over most of their length. The fibers have microporous inner and outer layers and a nonporous layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers and are sealed on one end. Hydrogen is introduced inside the fibers, which are sealed on one end to prevent direct escape of the hydrogen gas. The H2 gas dissolves then diffuses through the nonporous layer. Water is introduced around the fibers, and the biofilm reaction occurs on the outer surface of the fibers. Oxidized contaminants are removed from the water by the biofilm reaction, which consumes H2 gas that diffuses through the membrane. The individual fibers are free, over most of their length, to separate in response to the water flow. This prevents excessive biofilm-to-biofilm contact.