Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) • 2026

Precise manipulation of interspecies electron transfer (IET) is critical for advancing microbial electrosynthesis (MES) toward efficient CO 2 bioconversion. Here, defined synthetic consortia are constructed by pairing Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a model bidirectional electroactive bacterium, with Clostridium aceticum (electroactive acetogen) or Acetobacterium woodii (nonelectroactive acetogen), mimicking functional guilds commonly observed in natural MES communities. Co-cultivation markedly boosts acetate production by up to 88%, achieving 1.16 ± 0.01 and 1.05 ± 0.01 g L -1 , with carbon conversion efficiencies exceeding 84%. Comprehensive electrochemical, spectroscopic, and biomass analyses reveal distinct spatial electron transfer modes: DIET via cytochrome c and riboflavin dominates at the biofilm-electrode interface in S. oneidensis-C. aceticum consortia, whereas S. oneidensis-A. woodii consortia prefer H 2 /formate-mediated IET in the planktonic phase. This metabolic stratification enables S. oneidensis to function as an "ecosystem engineer," orchestrating electron flow to optimize CO 2 -to-acetate conversion across biofilm and suspension niches. The proposed synthetic ecology strategy provides a blueprint for designing high-efficiency MES consortia, paving new avenues for sustainable carbon capture and bio-based chemical production.

Frontiers in microbiology • 2025

The practical implementation of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is currently limited by the slow microbial colonisation of the electrode and the need to suppress methanogenic activity. This study investigates a two-stage strategy to suppress methanogenesis and promote the rapid formation of an acetogenic biofilm in a directed-flow-through bioelectrochemical reactor. Four start-up regimes were compared: mixotrophic without heat pre-treatment (M), mixotrophic with heat pre-treatment (MT), heterotrophic without heat pre-treatment (H), and heterotrophic with heat pre-treatment (HT), each followed by a common autotrophic phase. Mixotrophy outperformed heterotrophy by accelerating and increasing acetate accumulation. However, adding heat pre-treatment (MT) introduced a short lag phase and resulted in less sustained chain elongation than mixotrophy alone (M). Under the mixotrophic regime, microbial analysis showed an enrichment of genera with acetogenic representatives such as Clostridium sensu stricto 12 and Sporomusa , alongside a reduction in facultative anaerobic and fermentative bacteria. Full biofilm colonisation of the electrode was achieved within 55 to 65 days, while acetate, butyrate, and caproate production was initiated within the first week, reaching concentrations typically observed only after approximately 70 days under autotrophic conditions. Methane remained undetectable for about 40 days and, when detected later, exhibited low coulombic efficiencies (< 1%). Taken together, these results indicate that mixotrophic start-up provides a promising route to accelerate electrode colonisation and enhance early-stage productivity in MES, while highlighting the need for further optimisation and a deeper understanding of microbial interactions.

Bioresource technology • 2025

The rapid rise in CO 2 concentrations poses long-term environmental issues, necessitating the development of effective mitigation techniques. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) shows promise technology for converting CO 2 into value-added compounds. In MES, chemolithoautotrophic bacteria operate as biocatalysts, converting CO 2 to organic acids in microbial electrochemical reactors. The study aimed to enrich acetogenic chemolithotrophs for CO 2 -to-acetic acid conversion, and chain-elongating bacteria for extending short-chain fatty acids into higher-value multi-carbon compounds. Electricity-powered batch tests and MES reactors produced acetic acid (570 mg/L) and other multi-carbon compounds (C2-C7), such as propionic acid (250 ± 14 mg/L), butyric acid (190 ± 20 mg/L), and heptanoic acid (230 ± 25 mg/L). Sporomusa, Pseudomonas, Desulfosporosinus, and Proteiniphilum were the main acetogens (up to 54 %), contributing to chain elongation and C3-C7 acid production. Metabolic activity was associated with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway for acetogenesis and reverse β-oxidation for fatty acid elongation. The low presence of Clostridium may explain the low yields of elongated products. This work identifies MES-assisted biocatalysis as a promising method for producing multi-carbon compounds from CO 2 .

Environmental research • 2026

Groundwater nitrate contamination has become a global environmental concern. The self-alkalization during denitrification often results in nitrite accumulation, limiting nitrogen removal rate. In this study, a cotton-based biofilm electrode reactor (CBER) was constructed to investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on denitrification performance, microbial enzyme activity, and microbial community. The system pH increased to 9.68, indicating severe self-alkalization with nitrite accumulation of 16.77 ± 1.71 mg-N/L at 0 mA/m 2 . In contrast, nitrate removal rate (NRR) increased 21.4 % to 0.68 mg-N/(L·h) at 100 mA/m 2 , while nitrite accumulation decreased to 0.14 ± 0.05 mg-N/L, representing a 99.2 % decrease compared with that at 0 mA/m 2 . Electrical stimulation effectively suppressed nitrite accumulation by enhancing nitrite reductase activity from 0.20 to 0.34 U/mg prot (0-100 mA/m 2 ). Enzyme activity assays demonstrated that moderate electrical stimulation significantly enhanced the activities of nitrate and nitrite reductases, whereas high current density 300 mA/m 2 induced oxidative stress, thereby suppressing microbial activity. Microbial community analysis revealed that electrical stimulation increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria from 60.2 % to 82.6 %. Concurrently, the key functional genus Pseudomonas increased from 1.1 % to 13.1 %, indicating a functional shift from organic degradation to nitrogen removal. This study reveals a synergistic mechanism how electrical stimulation suppresses self-alkalization through enzyme regulation and community restructuring. These findings provide important insights for the design and optimization of bioelectrochemical nitrogen removal technologies.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

Hydrogen energy and metal-air batteries, particularly zinc-air batteries (ZABs), have garnered significant interest as clean energy vectors and energy storage devices, respectively. However, their efficiency is constrained by the high overpotential and sluggish kinetics associated with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, we propose a green and efficient bioelectrocatalytic cascade system designed to overcome the energy efficiency limitations of conventional OER. The system employs nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) as both supporting material and electrocatalyst for immobilizing glucose oxidase (GOx) and for the in situ catalytic decomposition of H 2 O 2 produced during the GOx-catalyzed oxidation of glucose. This approach not only significantly reduces the overpotentials required for water splitting and ZAB charging but also facilitates the co-production of high-value gluconic acid. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrate that the bioelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution system achieves a current density of 10 mA cm -2 at just 1.60 V. Furthermore, ZABs incorporating this system exhibit high power density and exceptional cycling stability. These findings underscore the potential of designing efficient and stable bifunctional bioelectrochemical catalysts as an energy-saving and high-efficiency strategy for hydrogen production and biomass valorization.

ACS applied materials & interfaces • 2025

Metabolic regulation─the dynamic biochemical network governing energy transduction, substrate conversion, and metabolic flux─represents a fundamental determinant of microbial viability and functional output. While temporal metabolite fluctuations provide critical insights into metabolic network dynamics, conventional analytical platforms face fundamental limitations in real-time monitoring within native microbial environments. This study presents a novel whole-cell electrochemical biosensing platform integrating carbon dot (CD)-engineered Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) with advanced cyclic voltammetry (CV) for dynamic metabolic interrogation. This biohybrid system synergizes microbial biochemical specificity with CD-enhanced electron transfer efficiency, achieving nearly a 20-fold amplification in the electrochemical signal amplitude through quantum-enhanced charge transport mechanisms. The platform enables precise quantification of redox-active metabolites via distinct voltammetric fingerprints, as demonstrated through the detection of lactic acid─a pivotal biomarker in industrial biotechnology and clinical diagnostics. Featuring a modular bioarchitectural design, this technology permits seamless adaptation across diverse microbial systems, offering unprecedented capabilities for real-time bioprocess optimization, dynamic metabolic pathway analysis, and pathogen metabolic profiling. By interfacing nanomaterial-enhanced electrochemistry with synthetic biology, our platform surmounts traditional analytical constraints, establishing a versatile analytical tool for spatiotemporal mapping of metabolic networks in complex biological matrices.

Environmental science and pollution research international • 2026

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a revolutionary wastewater treatment technology that can simultaneously achieve pollutant degradation and energy recovery. In recent years, advancements in electrode materials (such as graphene-TiO₂ composites) and reactor design have increased their power density to 17.8 W/m 2 and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate to over 89%. This review systematically analyzes these materials and modular designs, aiming to address key challenges such as interface electron transfer and mass transfer limitations. The article assesses the applications of MFCs in emerging fields such as nutrient recovery (e.g., anode-driven denitrification increases the total nitrogen removal rate by 19.8%), high-sensitivity biosensing (e.g., BPA detection sensitivity reaches 0.238 mV/(mg/L)), and decentralized wastewater treatment. In response to cost and stability obstacles in the commercialization process, this paper proposes strategies such as performance standardization and microbial community optimization. The analysis indicates that MFCs possess the dual functions of "energy-producing" wastewater treatment systems and real-time water quality monitoring platforms, providing a clear technical path for transitioning from laboratory to industrial applications. This review offers a critical synthesis that extends beyond mere performance comparisons. It establishes application-oriented evaluation frameworks, proposes value-tiered commercialization strategies, and aims to bridge the critical gap between laboratory-scale achievements and industrial feasibility.

Bioresource technology • 2026

An anaerobic environment is typically optimal for electrochemically active microorganisms to generate current. Previous studies have created an integrated chamber-free microbial fuel cell (iMFC) that enables anaerobic sludge-sourced EAMs to function under high dissolved oxygen (DO) for the first time, although the mechanism remained unclear. This study examined the power output and anode microbiome dynamics under DO exposure in the iMFC. Multi-omics revealed a three-phase microbiome reassembly during aeration. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and its precursors from anaerobes, together with streptozocin, phenazine, and rhamnolipid produced sequentially by aerobes, drove the anaerobic-aerobic transition. Initially, DO suppressed anaerobes, alleviating their IAA-mediated inhibition of facultative aerobes. Subsequent cell-cell signaling guided anodic microbiome succession from Acinetobacter to Stenotrophomonas, and finally to Pseudomonas. These findings elucidate the anode microbiome transformation mechanism and confirm with a reassembled synthetic consortium that iMFCs can operate aerobically, providing key insights for scaling the technology.

Water research • 2026

In response to the escalating issue of antibiotic-microplastic co-contamination in aquatic environments, this study first investigated the performance and underlying mechanisms of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in treating such pollutants in wastewater. The degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), their combined contamination, and the combined system supplemented with the quorum sensing signal molecule 3OC8-HSL were evaluated. The results demonstrated that PVC co-occurrence enhanced the degradation of both pollutants (CAP degradation rate constant increased by 31.65 % and PVC weight loss increased by 93.27 %). The addition of 3OC8-HSL further facilitated CAP degradation (degradation rate constant increased by 78.14 %) and electricity generation of the MFC (maximum power density enhanced by 81.05 %). PVC primarily promoted pollutant removal by adsorbing CAP, thereby alleviating its acute toxicity, while increasing the abundance of the dual-functional degradation gene adhP in the anode biofilm to enhance the CAP and PVC degradation efficiencies. The addition of 3OC8-HSL increased the biomass and activity of the anode biofilm, selectively enriched the electroactive bacteria for both CAP and PVC degradation, with Achromobacter sp. M3 and Klebsiella sp. X11 identified as the key bacteria which harbor complete sets of CAP and PVC degradation genes and secret riboflavin. Furthermore, 3OC8-HSL reinforced multi-pathway CAP degradation and bioelectricity generation by enriching key genes involved in acetylation (ACAT, atoB), dechlorination (E3.8.1.2, dehH), deamidation (E3.5.1.4, amiE), ring cleavage (pcaC), β-oxidation (Paaf, echA, paaH, hbd, fadB, mmgB), and riboflavin synthesis (rutF, ushA, ribE). This study offers a novel strategy for the bioremediation of antibiotic-microplastic co-contamination in aquatic environments.

Bioresource technology • 2026

This study constructed a composite-polluted wastewater system containing high-concentration ammonia (5 g/L), multiple antibiotics (1 mg/L), and microplastics (10 mg/L) to simulate complex scenarios where emerging and conventional pollutants coexist in waste streams like sludge digestate and livestock effluent. Humic acid (HA, 10 mg/L) was integrated as a natural electron shuttle in coupled bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to enhance treatment. Results showed HA increased methane yield (9.89 %) and organic conversion, alleviated ammonia inhibition (11.96 %), and stabilized volatile fatty acids. It also effectively mitigated reactive oxygen species generation in microbial consortia and promoted extracellular polymeric substance formation, shielding cells against co-contaminant toxicity. HA stimulated the acetoclastic, dominated over the hydrogenotrophic, thereby promoting methane metabolism. Crucially, HA diminished the selective pressure of antibiotics, thereby suppressing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) proliferation and horizontal transfer, while enriching nitrogen metabolism genes. This confirms that HA-coupled BES enhances treatment resilience and microbial adaptability for complex wastewater.

Toxics • 2025

Heavy-metal contamination poses a significant global threat to soil environments, underscoring the necessity for effective and sustainable remediation technologies. This review methodically summarizes advances in the field of microbial remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, organized around four major dimensions: remediation mechanisms, synergistic technologies, field applications, and future prospects. Firstly, the remediation mechanisms are elucidated, encompassing molecular interactions, cellular adaptation, and community-level cooperative responses. Secondly, the integration of microbes with functional materials and bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) is evaluated, with these materials providing support, electron mediation, and micro-environment regulation that markedly improve remediation efficiency and stability. Moreover, illustrative field cases demonstrate pivotal technological pathways and cost-effectiveness when transitioning from laboratory- to field-scale applications. Finally, emerging frontiers such as synthetic biology-engineered microbes, AI-driven microbial design, circular-economy value recovery, and policy-governance innovations are discussed, proposing essential elements for building a "predictable-controllable-sustainable" microbial remediation platform. This review aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge framework for researchers and to offer decision-making guidance for practitioners and policymakers, thereby advancing microbial remediation toward higher efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

Bioresource technology • 2026

This study developed a hybrid bioelectrochemical-anaerobic digestion (BEAD) system by integrating synergistic bioelectrodes with dynamic microbial communities. Carbon-based electrode materials, including activated carbon@Ni/stainless steel mesh (AC@Ni/SSM), carbon black@Ni/stainless steel mesh (CB@Ni/SSM), and varying doses of corn stalk (CS, 1.0-8.0 g/L), were systematically optimized. Among them, the AC@Ni/SSM electrode exhibited superior performance, achieving a cumulative methane production of 493.08 ± 1.0 mL/g VS 2.8 times higher than that of conventional anaerobic digestion (155.1 ± 1.2 mL/g VS). Electrochemical analyses indicated that the hierarchical structure of AC@Ni/SSM reduced charge transfer resistance by 42 % and minimized ionic diffusion barriers, thereby facilitating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) through conductive biofilms. An optimal CS dose of 2.0 g/L enhanced substrate-microbe interactions, resulting in 68.25 % methane content and 90.23 % COD removal. Microbial community analysis revealed an enrichment of Firmicutes (56 %) and Bacteroidota (22 %), key taxa involved in lignocellulose degradation and DIET-mediated methanogenesis. These results demonstrate the potential of the BEAD system to overcome electron transfer limitations, providing a sustainable strategy for the high-efficiency valorization of lignocellulosic biomass.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

Detection of ciprofloxacin (CIP) is crucial due to its persistence and frequent occurrence in water bodies. An algal microbial fuel cell (MFC) integrated with an electrospun carbon nanotube-polyaniline-zinc oxide (CNT-PANI-ZnO) nanofiber electrode was developed for simultaneous renewable energy generation and CIP detection. The electrode enhanced electron transfer efficiency, enabling sensitive monitoring of voltage changes during CIP analysis. The electrode properties were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, zeta potential, and contact angle analyses. Bio-electrochemical performance was assessed using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The algal MFC achieved a maximum power density of 27.57 ± 0.95 mW m -3 at a current density of 46.73 ± 0.57 mA m -2 with an internal resistance of 22 Ω. CIP was detected with a minimum limit of 0.5 μg L -1 and a sensitivity of 0.1568 mV (μg L -1 ) -1 under stable voltage conditions. The system exhibited reusability over three operational cycles. These findings demonstrate the potential of CNT-PANI-ZnO-based algal MFCs as eco-friendly platforms for sustainable energy conversion and real-time contaminant sensing.

Chemosphere • 2026

Freshwater scarcity and the environmental burden of reverse osmosis (RO) reject streams demand sustainable desalination alternatives. Microbial desalination cells (MDCs), integrated with bioelectrochemical processes, have emerged as eco-friendly platforms for simultaneous wastewater treatment, ion removal, and energy recovery. However, their reliance on costly, ion-exchange membranes limits scalability. This review critically examines low-cost waste-valorized membranes fabricated from agricultural residues, polymeric wastes, ceramics, and industrial byproducts as green substitutes for conventional membranes in MDCs. This review critically discusses the past progress of low-cost waste additives to multifunctional, biofunctionalized membranes with superior ion transport, antifouling, and self-cleaning capabilities. The major focus of the paper is on strategies such as graphene oxide doping, enzyme immobilization, and magnetic biochar integration that can enhance performance, conductivity, and fouling resistance, alongside reducing cost and carbon dioxide footprint. Based on the in-depth analysis, a comprehensive roadmap is proposed encompassing feedstock standardization, green fabrication, novel manufacturing techniques including digital process optimization, techno-economic analysis, integrated MDC-RO systems, and end-of-life recycling, aimed at enabling scalable, decentralized, and cost-effective desalination solutions. Further, the integration of waste-derived membranes into MDC-RO hybrids is presented as a viable pathway to increase water recovery, reduce fouling, and lower energy demand. This work underscores the potential of waste-valorized membranes as next-generation sustainable solutions for water-energy nexus challenges.

Water research • 2026

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of high-level chloramphenicol (CAP) degradation in mariculture wastewater using a single chamber bioelectrochemical system (BES). The reactor was assembled with carbon-brush electrodes and operated with sea mud as inoculum. Nearly complete removal of 200 mg/L CAP was achieved within 36 h when 2 g/L glucose was supplied as a co-substrate. With 200 mg/L CAP as the sole carbon source, BES at the close circuit achieved 28 ± 3% higher CAP removal than that at the open circuit within 72 h. CAP removal declined from 100 ± 5% to 45 ± 4% as the initial concentration increased from 200 to 600 mg/L within 36 h. High CAP concentration markedly inhibited sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), reducing the relative abundance of Desulfobulbus from 28.7% to < 0.5%, and decreasing sulfate removal from 90 ± 5% to < 56 ± 3% compared with the control. Nitro-reduction of CAP at the cathodic biofilm was determined as the predominant pathway among the three degradation routes in the BES. Metagenomic analysis revealed that 200 mg/L CAP significantly inhibited both multidrug efflux pump genes and key operons involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction in the cathodic biofilm. Our results could be useful for eliminating high concentrations of antibiotic contaminants from seawater.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) • 2026

This review presents a critical and comparative analysis of carbon-based electrochemical sensing platforms for the determination of heavy metal ions in water, with emphasis on Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Hg 2+ . The growing discharge of industrial and mining effluents has led to persistent contamination of aquatic environments by toxic metals, creating an urgent need for sensitive, rapid, and field-deployable analytical technologies. Carbon-based nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and MXene, have emerged as key functional components in modern electrochemical sensors due to their high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry. Based on reported studies, typical detection limits for Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) on glassy carbon and thin-film electrodes are in the range of 0.4-1.2 µg/L. For integrated thin-film sensing systems, limits of detection of 0.8-1.2 µg/L are commonly achieved. MXene-based platforms further enhance sensitivity and enable Hg 2+ detection with linear response ranges typically between 1 and 5 µg/L, accompanied by clear electrochemical or optical signals. Beyond conventional electrochemical detection, this review specifically highlights self-sustaining visual sensors based on MXene integrated with enzyme-driven bioelectrochemical systems, such as glucose oxidase (GOD) and Prussian blue (PB) assembled on ITO substrates. These systems convert chemical energy into measurable colorimetric signals without external power sources, enabling direct visual identification of Hg 2+ ions. Under optimized conditions (e.g., 5 mg/mL GOD and 5 mM glucose), stable and distinguishable color responses are achieved for rapid on-site monitoring. Overall, this review not only summarizes current performance benchmarks of carbon-based sensors but also identifies key challenges, including long-term stability, selectivity under multi-ion interference, and large-scale device integration, while outlining future directions toward portable multisensor water-quality monitoring systems.

Applied microbiology and biotechnology • 2026

Pig slurry management has emerged as a pressing environmental challenge in the context of rapid population growth and intensified livestock production, highlighting the need for sustainable recovery technologies. While microalgae-bacteria (MB) systems offer promising opportunities for nutrient recycling, the high turbidity of raw pig slurry (PS) typically limits their direct application. This study proposes an innovative two-step treatment that combines microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with MB consortia to enhance both pollutant removal and resource recovery from raw PS with COD levels exceeding 18,000 mg·L⁻ 1 . Unlike conventional designs relying on perfluorinated membranes, the MFCs employed an ionic liquid [N 8-10,8-10,8-10,1 + ][Cl - ] as a proton exchange medium, achieving 50% of COD removal and generating 57.27 ± 10.99 mW·m⁻ 2 . The effluent was subsequently treated with MB consortia, yielding biomass productivities of 0.1 to 0.2 g·L⁻ 1 ·day⁻ 1 , comparable to chemical fertilizer-based controls. Cell density with pre-treated and untreated pig slurry also matched control levels. In pollutant recovery, the combined microbial fuel cell and microalgae-bacteria treatment achieved up to 67% recovery of COD, over 99% of N-NH 4 + , and between 65 and 85% of P-PO 4 3- . These findings highlight the potential of integrating MFCs with MB consortia as a strategy for raw pig slurry management, t-ransforming waste into renewable energy and bioresources. KEY POINTS: • Pig slurry is transformed into biomass and bioenergy using sustainable technologies • Microalgae-bacteria consortia enhance nutrient recovery and water treatment • Ionic liquid microbial fuel cells support energy generation and COD reduction.

Journal of environmental management • 2026

Constructed wetlands (CWs) often experience declining efficiency due to clogging during long-term operation, traditional prevention and control methods are costly and prone to causing secondary pollution. This study innovatively integrated a bioelectrochemical system (MEC) with a vertical flow CW, forming a CW-MEC system. By regulating the electrification time (4.5 h, 9.0 h, 13.5 h within an 18-h hydraulic retention time cycle), it investigates the system's impact on alleviating clogging and the migration mechanisms across distinct vertical layers. The results demonstrated that a 9.0 h electrification time (ET) significantly enhanced the overall system performance. The quartz sand layer exhibited the smallest decrease in porosity, which was 0.87 compared to 0.71 in the control, while maintaining a stable COD removal rate of 61 %. Furthermore, it effectively regulated the composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The electric field promoted directional migration of blockage, with negatively charged EPS migrating towards the anode and inorganic precipitates migrating towards the cathode. Notably, the migration potential of Soluble-EPS (S-EPS) towards the anode increased by 116 % compared to the control. This resulted in a reduced total amount of clogging substances in the quartz sand layer, achieving "intermediate layer protection". This study, for the first time, reveals the vertical spatial migration patterns of blockage under electric field regulation and proposes the novel "sacrificial protection" mechanism of the electrode layers for the quartz sand layer. This provides an innovative strategy for the long-term and low-carbon operation of CWs.

The Science of the total environment • 2026

Micropollutants (MPs), such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, dyes, and industrial chemicals, persist through conventional wastewater treatment, necessitating advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that can generate high-valence radicals (OH, SO 4 - , Cl). This review provides an updated and critical synthesis of AOP developments from 2019 to 2025, with explicit emphasis on mechanistic insights, electrode/catalyst innovations, hybrid AOP synergies, effluent toxicity, and economic feasibility. A key novelty of this work lies in its integrated comparison of standalone versus hybrid AOPs, as well as its inclusion of emerging systems such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mixed-metal oxides (MMOs), bio-electrochemical systems (BES), and microwave-assisted AOPs, all evaluated together for the first time. Electrochemical processes (electro-Fenton, electro-persulfate, and electro-oxidation) demonstrated superior mineralization efficiency and stability, supported by advanced electrodes such as boron-doped diamond (BDD), Ti/SnO 2 -RuO 2 , and CO 2 -modified biochar. Photochemical, sono-chemical, and hybrid processes achieved >90% MP removal, with hybrid systems consistently outperforming standalone methods due to multi-pathway radical generation. A structured toxicity analysis using EC 50 /LC 50 frameworks confirmed significant detoxification, though ozonation-based AOPs require careful by-product control. Economic comparison highlights the feasibility of solar-driven and modular AOPs, particularly for low- and middle-income regions. Critical research gaps are identified in scale-up, cost, by-product fate, and long-term catalyst durability, offering pathways for future sustainable AOP deployment.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

Azo dyes, containing one or more azo bonds (-N=N-), are widely used but pose environmental and health risks due to their toxicity and resistance to degradation. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) offer a potential approach for their reductive degradation, yet the role of molecular structure in degradation remains unclear. In this study, nine representative azo dyes were examined to access how substituent type and position affect degradation kinetics and electron transfer under controlled cathodic potentials in BESs. Electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g., -SO 3 - , -NO 2 ) and o-/m- substitution enhanced azo bond cleavage, while p-substitution or steric hindered degradation. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that higher reduction currents and lower charge-transfer resistance correlated with faster degradation. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis identified that the -N=N- group and other molecular features such as atom count, are key determinants of azo dyes removal. Experimental and theoretical calculations showed that molecular structure regulates the electron transfer efficiency from electrode to dye by affecting the electron density and steric hindrance of the azo bond, thereby determining degradation kinetics. This study deepened the influence of the molecular structure on azo dyes bioelectrochemical removal, and provided optimized guidance for the treatment of wastewater containing azo dyes by BESs.

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) • 2026

Synthetic bioelectronics is rapidly advancing, propelled by breakthroughs in synthetic biology and bioelectronics. This convergence is key to next-generation wearable and implantable devices, enabling seamless integration with living systems. Here, we introduce an enzymatic hydrogel electrode (GelZymes) developed via a synthetic bioelectronic strategy to overcome the mechanical and interfacial limitations of conventional enzyme electrodes. GelZymes deliver two core advances: i) a monolithic and scalable 3D architecture that unifies the enzyme membrane and electrode, simplifying fabrication and eliminating interfacial instability; and ii) tissue-like viscoelasticity-combining stretchability and adhesiveness-rarely achievable with rigid enzyme membranes. GelZymes are synthesized through three steps: engineering a stretchable, mixed-conducting 3D hydrogel; implementing an enzyme-compatible, cascading crosslinking scheme to immobilize enzymes within the network; and balancing the trade-off between electronic/ionic conductivity and the density of redox-active enzyme sites to maximize bio-electrochemical performance. We further show that GelZymes enable a shift from invasive, tissue-interfaced biosensing to noninvasive, tissue-integrated biosensing, offering a practical pathway to bridge current biosensor technologies with living systems.

Water research • 2026

Real-time monitoring of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is crucial for optimizing wastewater treatment processes and evaluating water environmental quality. This study developed an integrated online BOD monitoring system based on bioelectrochemical system (BES) technology. Through automated process design and parameter optimization, the system achieved a detection range of 12.8-172.8 mg l -1 BOD (R²=0.995). Long-term stability assessment revealed that despite biosensor performance degradation during continuous measurements, the system maintained high accuracy (relative error <1.1%) through a baseline recalibration strategy implemented every 100 measurements. Field validation for the hydrolysis acidification tank (HAT) effluent demonstrated the capability of the system to monitor dynamic BOD variations and respond rapidly to process manipulation such as carbon source addition. By establishing a correction model specifically for the HAT effluent samples, the system achieved a relative measurement error of 6.73%. The results demonstrate the robustness of the developed system in long-term real-time BOD monitoring of HAT effluent, which may provide data support for downstream process regulation.

Journal of hazardous materials • 2026

Large quantities of low-concentration uranium-contaminated water from the nuclear industry poses a critical environmental challenge due to the limitations of current methods on removal efficiency and adsorption selectivity. This study developed a novel biofilm cathode for enhanced uranium adsorption by leveraging the quorum sensing (QS) system of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Biofilm formation was induced using exogenous acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), with C4-HSL (10 μmol/L) identified as the most efficient signal molecule. It significantly improved biofilm properties, increasing thickness by 107.7 % versus the control without AHLs, boosting extracellular protein content, and increasing the proportion of living cells. Microstructure analysis (CLSM) revealed a "base-polysaccharide-gel" three-dimensional structure, where proteins, lipids, and β-polysaccharides form a functional gel layer that provides the primary functional matrix for uranium binding. The C4-HSL-induced biofilm exhibited a 43.4 % higher reduction peak current and a 33.3 % decrease in electron transfer resistance, confirming improved electron transfer efficiency. Furthermore, coupling CLSM, SEM-EDS, FT-IR and XPS analysis indicated uranium capture was primarily dominated by complexation/coordination with functional groups on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), supplemented by electrochemical reduction of 25.91 % soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV). Accordingly, a possible mechanism model of QS-driven biofilm cathode is proposed for optimizing biofilm structure and enhancing uranium capture. Finally, verification tests in actual uranium-contaminated groundwater demonstrated the biofilm cathode exhibited exceptional performance with a 99.4 % uranium recovery rate and high selectivity (K d,U at 34.57 L/g). These findings highlight the significant potential of AHLs-triggered QS as a powerful strategy to optimize bioelectrochemical properties for highly-efficient uranium remediation and resource recovery.

Water research • 2026

Rapid industrialization has caused widespread global groundwater contamination. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES), as a promising in-situ groundwater remediation technology, are limited by the low conductivity of natural groundwater (< 1000 μS cm -1 ). To address this constraint, this study developed a sandwich electrode-assembled BES (SEA-BES), evaluated its pollutant removal performance with nitrobenzene (NB) as an example, and conducted pilot-scale tests. A non-woven cloth separator reduced SEA-BES electrode spacing to the μm-scale. The SEA-BES significantly reduced solution resistance in low-conductivity groundwater (from 66.5 Ω in conventional BES to 1.0 Ω at 250 μS cm -1 ) and achieved low energy demand (0.086 kWh mg -1 COD). Pseudo-first-order kinetic analysis of NB removal (initial NB concentration: 40 mg L -1 ; treatment time: 24 h) revealed significantly higher rate constants for the SEA-BES (0.1149 h -1 , R 2 =0.9985), which was 1.39-fold higher than that of the conventional BES (0.0827 h -1 , R 2 =0.9991). This enhancement is mainly attributed to optimized electron transfer (especially enhanced direct electron transfer), enriched targeted functional genera (e.g., Methanobacterium), and reduced dependence on EPS-mediated stress compensation. This study further developed an intermittent electrical stimulation mode to boost applicability and reduce energy use, achieving 74.23 % TOC mineralization, which was 18.32 % higher than that of the continuous stimulation mode. A 46-day pilot test confirmed stable pollutant removal. In summary, the SEA-BES with an intermittent electrical stimulation mode provides an efficient, low-energy solution for remediating organic pollutant-contaminated low-conductivity groundwater.

Current opinion in biotechnology • 2026

Electroactive bacteria (EAB) can exchange electrons with conductive materials as part of their metabolic activity, enabling the development of diverse bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). These systems can be used for sustainable power generation, pollutant biosensing, and pollutant bioremediation. Here, we first discuss recent studies that expand the bioremediation and biosensing capabilities of lab-scale BESs by using native and engineered EAB and microbial consortia. Then, we review innovative strategies implemented by large-scale pilot studies and startup companies to scale up BESs for low-cost bioremediation. This review summarizes the complementary insights gained from research done at these different scales and discusses where this knowledge can take us.

Bioresource technology • 2026

Efficient interfacial electron transfer between electroactive microorganisms and electrodes underpins bio-electrochemical systems for energy, environmental, biosensors, and bioelectronic applications. Yet oxygen infiltration, unavoidable under practical conditions, and severely impairs performance. Here, we propose a strategy where plant-sourced antioxidants, such as fraxetin, with high thermodynamic stability are employed as electron shuttles. Electrochemical analysis and density functional theory revealed that fraxetin, unlike flavin mononucleotide, resists oxygen oxidation and sustains electron transfer under saturated dissolved oxygen conditions. Additionally, oxygen infiltration caused a 75% decrease in the current generated by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 mediated by flavin mononucleotide, whereas the current mediated by fraxetin only decreased by 18%. This approach provided a fundamentally different and more practical solution than physical oxygen-exclusion methods, oxygen-tolerant ESs as a robust and versatile avenue to maintain efficient interfacial electron transfer in bio-electrochemical systems under actual environments.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

Multicellular cable bacteria are capable of transferring electrons over centimeter distances through an internal array of conductive fibers. These long, filamentous bacteria function as a living electrochemical cell, performing sulfide oxidation at one end and oxygen reduction at the other end. To investigate how O 2 reduction is linked to the long-distance electron transport along the conductive fibers, we performed a detailed electrochemical characterization of native filaments as well as extracted "fiber skeletons" without membranes or cytoplasm. Our data show that fibers skeletons only perform longitudinal electron transport and are not electrochemically active towards oxygen. Still, native cable bacterium filaments are capable of high oxygen reduction rates, thus indicating that dedicated enzyme systems in the periplasm or inner membrane are responsible for O 2 reduction. A chemical inhibition assay on native cable bacterium filaments indicates that cytochromes are involved in electron transfer from the conductive fibers towards O 2 . Together, our data provide empirical support for a model in which diffusible c-type cytochromes mediate electron transport through the periplasm, shuttling electrons between separate respiratory complexes and the conductive fiber network. As such, our study resolves a crucial aspect of the unique electrogenic metabolism in cable bacteria, and clarifies the application potential of the highly conductive fibers in Bio-electrochemical System technologies.

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Revista Ibero-Americana de Humanidades, Ciências e Educação • 2026

A Inteligência Artificial (IA) tem crescido globalmente e se consolidado como tecnologia estratégica em diferentes setores, ampliando a demanda por formação especializada. Nesse contexto, a pós-graduação lato sensu assume papel relevante na atualização profissional. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o perfil da oferta de cursos de especialização lato sensu relacionados à IA no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e descritivo, baseado em dados do sistema e-MEC, no qual foram identificados 2.762 cursos. As análises consideraram a distribuição dos cursos segundo áreas do conhecimento, modalidade de oferta, carga horária, duração, número de vagas e localização regional. Os resultados evidenciam forte concentração da oferta nas áreas de Computação, embora a IA apresente caráter transversal e elevado potencial de aplicação em áreas como educação, saúde, negócios e engenharia. Observou-se predominância da modalidade a distância e concentração regional nas regiões Sudeste e Sul, além de elevada heterogeneidade nos modelos formativos, especialmente quanto à duração e ao número de vagas. Os achados indicam que a oferta de cursos ainda reproduz padrões históricos de concentração educacional. O estudo contribui ao oferecer um panorama nacional da formação em IA, fornecendo subsídios para o planejamento educacional e a formulação de políticas públicas.

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Sensors • 2026

Human motion capture is crucial for various fields, but traditional optical systems (OMC) are costly and restrictive. Monocular video-based methods offer accessibility, yet face accuracy challenges, especially in dynamic sports like tennis. This study validates Capture4D, a novel Transformer-based monocular system, for capturing a wide range of tennis strokes. We developed a universal biomechanical analysis framework (K0-K5) applicable to twelve fundamental stroke types. To demonstrate the system’s capabilities, this paper focused on a detailed validation using the tennis serve as a representative example. We conducted experiments with 9 high-level tennis players, and motion data were simultaneously captured using Capture4D (single RGB camera) and OMC Qualisys (gold standard). Accuracy was evaluated by comparing 3D joint coordinates and joint angles using Normalized Mean Per Joint Position Error (NMPJPE), RMSE, and MAE. The results demonstrated that Capture4D effectively captured the tennis player’s motion, with average NMPJPE for tennis serves ranging from 69.5 mm to 88.3 mm, within the acceptable range (70–130 mm) for coaching purposes. Compared to OMC, Capture4D demonstrated comparable joint angle trajectories, with advantages in operational convenience, cost-effectiveness, and wider applicability. It offered an approximately 50% reduction in setup time and 80% cost savings. Capture4D presents a valid and practical monocular motion capture solution for coaching tennis and other broader applications in sports. While slightly less precise than OMC, its accuracy is acceptable for many use cases in coaching and teaching. It offers significant advantages in convenience and cost, paving the way for accessible motion analysis in diverse environments like outdoor settings and multi-person scenarios, in which OMC is not possible to be used. This technology holds promise for democratizing motion capture in sports training and coaching/teaching.

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management • 2026

Abstract—The rapid proliferation of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India and globally imposes severe technical challenges on existing distribution networks, including elevated power losses, voltage profile degradation, and increased investment costs. This paper proposes a novel Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization – Grey Wolf Optimizer (PSO-GWO) algorithm for the simultaneous optimal placement and sizing of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCSs) integrated with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Distributed Generation (DG) in IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus radial distribution networks (RDNs). A four-component Multi-Objective Function (MOF) minimizes: (i) total real power losses, (ii) voltage deviation index, (iii) annual economic cost, and (iv) carbon emission cost. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) with 10,000 iterations captures stochastic EV charging demand and solar irradiance uncertainty. The Adaptive Inertia Weight (AIW) mechanism blends PSO global search with GWO leadership hierarchy via a cosine-based transition function. Simulation results on the IEEE 33-bus system achieve 77.8% power loss reduction, 92.3% voltage profile improvement, and 18.7% cost reduction compared to the unoptimized base case, outperforming GA, PSO, and standalone GWO algorithms with statistical significance (p 0.001, 30 independent runs). Index Terms—EVCS Optimal Placement, Hybrid PSO-GWO, Smart Distribution Network, Solar PV, V2G, Multi-Objective Optimization, Monte Carlo Simulation, IEEE 33-bus, IEEE 69-bus, Power Loss Minimization.

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Sustainability • 2026

The Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP), theoretically rooted in value co-creation, serves as a vital policy tool for household carbon mitigation, yet faces an awareness-behavior gap during implementation. In this study, theoretical and empirical analyses were conducted to reveal the dual-pathway mechanism underlying the residents’ participation in the CGSP. The findings demonstrate that the residents’ participation behavior is positively influenced by the two-way communication between government and residents, as well as the residents’ sense of responsibility. Specifically, these two factors can also enhance participation by fostering egoistic and altruistic values, respectively. Notably, face culture weakens the positive effects of both values on participation, which embodies the paradigm conflict between traditional cultural and modern environmental governance systems. Residents with higher work happiness and women demonstrate significantly higher participation rates. The findings yield three policy recommendations for enhancing CGSP participation and operational sustainability.

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Constitutionale • 2026

General elections are the primary mechanism for realizing popular sovereignty under the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Constitutional Court Decision No. 135/PUU-XXII/2024 marks a major shift in electoral design by separating national and regional elections, departing from the simultaneous model affirmed in Decision No. 55/PUU-XVII/2019. Although final and binding, the ruling creates a normative void due to the absence of transitional provisions. This study analyzes the constitutional implications of this paradigm shift, examines its consistency with prior jurisprudence, and evaluates regulatory transition options to preserve legal certainty and democratic legitimacy. Using a normative juridical method with conceptual and statutory approaches, the research finds that the divergence between the two decisions weakens legal certainty and risks institutional disruption, electoral disputes, and declining public trust ahead of the 2029 election. The case highlights tensions in the Court’s evolving role and underscores the urgent need for legislative action to establish clear transitional regulations to safeguard electoral stability and democratic legitimacy.

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World Journal of Engineering • 2026

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the design and analysis of a dual-mover fault-tolerant permanent magnet linear Vernier generator (PMLVG) for wave energy conversion systems. The paper aims to address the growing need for reliable and sustainable marine energy solutions by developing a generator capable of continuous energy generation under both ideal and faulty conditions, including single-phase and two-phase electrical faults. Design/methodology/approach The proposed PMLVG is modeled and analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate its electromagnetic behavior, analyze performance parameters and ensure fault-tolerant operation. Detailed simulations under normal and fault scenarios are conducted to evaluate the mechanical power, efficiency and thrust force characteristics of the proposed generator. Findings Under ideal conditions, the generator achieves 18.9 kW of mechanical power with an efficiency of 92.5% and a rated thrust force of 101, 160 N. During a single-phase fault, the generator maintains 14.68 kW power output with 96.3% efficiency, while under a two-phase fault, it delivers 3.42 kW power with 97% efficiency, demonstrating robust fault-tolerant capabilities. The improved efficiency under fault situations is primarily attributed to reduced copper losses at lower loads. Originality/value In the present research, a novel PMLVG topology with improved fault-tolerant characteristics has been presented for wave energy conversion systems. According to the research results, it is feasible for sustainable wave power generation because its design achieves high efficiency and reliable operation regardless of the presence of severe fault conditions.

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Nature Communications • 2026

Abstract Given the escalating global demand for lithium resources, optimizing electric energy consumption in the electrochemical dual-oxidation (EDO) process, which includes both electrode oxidation and electrocatalytic oxidation, for lithium leaching from spent lithium-ion cathodes, is imperative. Herein, we propose an energy-effective two-stage continuous oxidation method for lithium leaching from various composition spent ternary lithium-ion batteries (NCM) cathodes. Coupling EDO (stage I) with soaking relaxation (stage II) enables both commercial and spent LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (NCM111) cathodes to achieve optimal electric energy efficiencies, with lithium leaching efficiencies of 99.87% and 98.12%, respectively. A comprehensive mechanism study reveals that the EDO not only drives lithium leaching from NCM111 lattice at stage I, but also effectively induces the transformation of lattice oxygen (O 2- ) into oxidized lattice oxygen (O n- , n   2), thus driving the continuous lithium leaching at stage II with 49.78% reduction in electric energy consumption. This work unravels the electrical energy profile and structural dynamics during the EDO lithium leaching process, which paves the way for implementing the EDO method for the industrial sustainable recovery of critical metals.

Environmental research • 2026

Inorganic electron donors improve low C/N wastewater denitrification performance and management. This study used an integrated strategy combining proteomics, machine learning, and electron transfer system characterization to elucidate FeS's regulatory mechanisms on microbial denitrification during carbon source depletion. Monitoring results revealed significant differences in denitrification performance between two experimental groups (designated as CK and FD) during both carbon-available (Stage 1) and carbon-depleted (Stage 2) phases. Overall, the denitrification indicators (NO 3 - -N, NO 2 - -N, and TN) of the FD group significantly outperformed those of the CK group in Stage 2. The electron transport system activity (ETSA) in the FD group was consistently higher than that in the CK group. Electrochemical analysis further demonstrated higher electron exchange efficiency of microorganisms in the FD system. Morphology and elemental analysis indicated bacterial surface transformation in FD samples, characterized by significant membrane distortion and attachment of nanoparticles (NPs). Proteomics-driven random forest (RF) modeling identified stage-specific regulatory patterns of FeS, demonstrating distinct mechanistic signatures among differentially up-regulated proteins. Briefly, in Stage 1, bacteria mobilized proteins TenA and GtsB to efficiently utilize glucose, and fully exploiting periplasmic electrons through CYC, NapA, and NosD. In Stage 2, metabolic activities shifted toward conservation. Bacteria upregulated PhaZ to utilize limited endogenous carbon sources, captured more electron donors via the Fe 2+ channel opened by OmpU, and mobilized UbiH and NarG to optimize transmembrane electron transfer. These findings are pivotal for developing inorganic electron donor regulation strategies to maintain stable system performance in low C/N wastewater treatment processes.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2026

The urgent need for cost-effective and reliable environmental monitoring systems has sparked interest in developing innovative biosensing platforms. Among these, microbial photoelectrochemical biosensors, which leverage the unique properties of photosynthetic microorganisms, have emerged as promising tools for environmental analysis. This perspective examines recent advances in microbial photoelectrochemical biosensor technology, focusing on the fundamental mechanisms of photosynthetic organisms and their integration with materials science. The current limitations in the implementation of microbial photoelectrochemical biosensors will be discussed, highlighting emerging solutions through nanomaterial integration and exploring how these biological systems can be engineered to detect environmental pollutants. Accordingly, a roadmap to transform these biological systems into practical environmental monitoring tools is presented, paving the way to unprecedented opportunities for the development of sustainable, sensitive, and targeted microbial biosensing platforms for real-world pollutant detection. To fully utilize the promise of these next-generation biosensing platforms, future research should concentrate on enhancing signal transduction and its stability over time, optimizing biointerface engineering, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.

Journal of environmental management • 2026

Maintaining water quality in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) requires resilient pipe-wall interfaces, yet the build-up of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), the most common metals in DWDSs, often initiates deposit growth and triggers discoloration events. However, the physicochemical impacts of early Fe-Mn deposition on pipe-wall surfaces have not been systematically elucidated. To elucidate their mechanistic role in the onset of scale development, self-designed electrodes were employed to monitor the electrochemical behavior of cement mortar-lined pipe surfaces under controlled Fe-Mn dosing (50-200 μg/L Fe with 10 μg/L Mn). Results showed that a dosing condition of 100 μg/L Fe with 10 μg/L Mn produced compact and adherent deposits with high charge-transfer resistance (R ct  = 1.33 × 10 6  Ω) and low corrosion current density (i cor  = 3.68 × 10 -5  mA/cm 2 ). This condition was attributed to cohesive biofilms dominated by Pseudomonas with co-dominant Hydrogenophaga and Sphingomonas, which, through assimilation-centered carbon and nitrogen pathways, secreted abundant extracellular polymeric substances, associated with minimized particulate metal accumulation in bulk water. In contrast, excessive Fe input (200 μg/L) generated scale-like, metal-oxide-bearing deposits accompanied by elevated Fe-Al contents, reduced R ct  = 2.97 × 10 5  Ω, higher i cor  = 1.70 × 10 -4  mA/cm 2 and metabolically diverse but weakly coordinated microbial communities. These results demonstrate that Fe-Mn-regulated morphology-microbiome coupling shapes early-stage corrosion behavior and that appropriate Fe-Mn levels are essential for promoting stable deposits and supporting long-term drinking-water safety.

ADMET & DMPK • 2026

Monitoring antibiotic drugs in the environment is particularly relevant given their role in fostering microbial resistance, impacting aquatic species and human health. Therefore, this work addresses the lack of a sustainable and cost-effective analytical approach and reports the development of a competitive electrochemical immunosensor for the rapid analysis of trimethoprim (TMP), an aquatic contaminant of emerging concern, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods that are often costly and time-consuming.

Bioresource technology • 2026

The mechanism of enhancing N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) biodegradation by revealing the role of carboxyl groups (-COOH) on biochar filler was studied in this work. Biochar fillers with -COOH contents of 7.5 %, 0.9 %, and 13.3 % were prepared, and named BF, Br-BF, and H 2 O 2 -BF, respectively. The DMAC adsorption characteristics of the three fillers were performed via adsorption capacity, kinetics and stability. The results indicated that the -COOH content was positively correlated with the adsorption performance, and an adsorption capacity of 1.3 g/g was obtained by H 2 O 2 -BF which was 1.3 and 1.5 times higher than that of BF and Br-BF, respectively. The microbial growth and immobilization experiments were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility and adhesion of fillers, suggesting that -COOH was conducive to the formation of biofilms. Subsequently, the removal efficiency, product distribution, carbon and nitrogen balances were compared among the three fillers, presenting that both microbial assimilation and dissimilation could be strengthened with the increase of the -COOH contents. Optimal biodegradation performance was achieved by H 2 O 2 -BF, and the corresponding DMAC and total nitrogen removal reached to 94.7 % and 87.8 % respectively. Additionally, the mechanism of DMAC biodegradation was investigated by exploring the variations of extracellular polymeric substance, electron transport system activity, electrochemical behavior, NADH, and enzyme activity. The results suggested that the presence of -COOH could enhance the mass transfer process of DMAC from liquid phase to filler surface, and accelerate the electron transfer process during DMAC conversion. The findings provide a framework for enhancing biodegradation performance by regulation of -COOH on filler.

Bioresource technology • 2026

The insufficient microbial degradation capacity of dissolved chlorobenzene in the reflux liquid restricts the further performance improvement of the biotrickling filter (BTF) for purifying organic exhaust. Here, electrical stimulation is used to stimulate the removal of dissolved chlorobenzene in reflux liquid in the combined system of microbial electrochemical system and BTF (MES-BTF), aiming to improve the degradation efficiency of chlorobenzene. The concentration of dissolved chlorobenzene in the reflux liquid decreases from 0.27 mg/L to 0.21 mg/L for 200 ppm chlorobenzene with the applied 1.6 V voltage. The integrated system achieves a maximum chlorobenzene removal efficiency (RE) of 68.71 % and a mineralization rate of 19.64 g/m 3 /h, representing an improvement of approximately 11.7 % over the control. Electrical stimulation provides an additional bioelectrochemical degradation pathway of chlorobenzene with the 3-chlorocatechol, 4-hydroxy-2-oxovalerate, and chlorohydroxybenzene as the intermediates. Bioanalysis in spatial distribution reveals the polysaccharides and Pseudomonadota spp. are crucial for the removal of chlorobenzene in the combined system. This study demonstrates an effective strategy to enhance the degradation of dissolved chlorobenzene and provides new insights for optimizing biotechnology for exhaust purification.