Researchers at the University of Alcalá have unveiled groundbreaking findings on an electroactive biofilter (BioeF) that offers a significant advancement in wastewater treatment by targeting emerging contaminants (ECs), including pharmaceuticals and herbicides. This innovative system outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes.
The study highlights BioeF's ability to remove up to 80% of pharmaceuticals and 50–75% of herbicides, significantly surpassing the performance of traditional gravel-based filters, which achieved only 50% and minimal removal, respectively. Moreover, the BioeF demonstrated a unique capacity to alter the chirality of ECs, influencing their toxicity and biodegradability—a first in wastewater research.
Key findings include:
- Enhanced detoxification: BioeF reduced ecotoxicity for aquatic organisms, achieving four times the detoxification impact compared to traditional systems.
- Enantioselectivity: The filter showed remarkable ability to alter the stereoisomeric profiles of contaminants, directly reducing environmental risks associated with ECs.
- Advanced sustainability: By leveraging microbial electrochemical processes, the BioeF operates efficiently under anaerobic conditions, eliminating the need for artificial oxygenation.
Lead researcher Dr. Karina Boltes emphasizes, "This marks a major step forward in addressing the pressing challenge of EC pollution in global water systems. The BioeF offers a scalable and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment, paving the way for cleaner water and healthier ecosystems."
The study, supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, underscores the transformative potential of microbial electrochemical technologies for environmental remediation. Future research aims to optimize the system for broader industrial applications and further investigate its enantioselective mechanisms.
