Electrobiochemical Reactor

• Main Authors: NEWTON NICOL NUKU, PEOPLES MIKE, ADAMS JACK, NANDURI MADHURI, MILLER JAN DEAN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 15.12.2011
• Subjects: CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY; TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE

A method for removing a target compound from a liquid can include arranging two active surfaces so as to be separated by a distance. The active surfaces can be placed within a flow of the liquid and can be capable of supporting an electrical charge, biological growth, and/or enzymes and proteins. The method can further include developing a population of microorganisms concentrated on the active surfaces where the population of microorganisms is configured to or capable of transformation of the target compounds. The method can further include developing enzymes or proteins concentrated on the active surfaces where the enzymes or proteins are configured to or capable of transformation of the target compounds. The method can further include applying a potential difference between the two active surfaces. The microorganisms and the potential difference can be sufficient in combination and/or with specific nutrients to remove the target compound from the liquid and maintain the population of microorganisms. The enzymes and proteins and the potential difference can be sufficient in combination to remove the target compound from the liquid.