Microbiome involved in microbial electrochemical systems (MESs): A review

Rijuta Ganesh Saratale, Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi, Guangyin Zhen, Gopalakrishnan Kumar, Abudukeremu Kadier, Periyasamy Sivagurunathan

Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University- Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10326, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are an attracting technology for the disposal of wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy production. In MESs, at the anode microorganisms through the catalytic activity generates electrons that can be converted into electricity or other valuable chemical compounds. Microorganisms those having ability to donate and accept electrons to and from anode and cathode electrodes, respectively are recognized as ‘exoelectrogens’. In the MESs, it renders an important function for its performance. In the present mini-review, we have discussed the role of microbiome including pure culture, enriched culture and mixed culture in different BESs application. The effects of operational and biological factors on microbiome development have been discussed. Further discussion about the molecular techniques for the evaluation of microbial community analysis is addressed. In addition different electrochemical techniques for extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanism of electroactive biofilms have been discussed. This review highlights the importance of microbiome in the development of MESs, effective operational factors for exo-electrogens activities as well their key challenges and future technological aspects are also briefly discussed.

Keywords: Microbial electrochemical systems (MESs); Microbiome; Exoelectrogens; Molecular techniques; Pyrosequencing; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.