Methods for enhanced oxidative and reductive remediation

摘要

Enhanced contaminant degradation systems via rapid transfer of electrons in an environment or matrix through bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry, electron transfer conduit and conductive materials. Specialized circuitry may be used with respect to the anode, cathode, and transmission line design including floating cathodes, anchored anodes, and the like.

主权项

1. A method of enhancing remediation of contaminated matrices comprising the steps of:
providing a water environment having at least one contaminant and at least one microbial population; providing a bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry having at least one non-floating anode, at least one three dimensional, floating cathode and at least one transmission line connecting said at least one non-floating anode and said at least one three dimensional, floating cathode;
wherein said at least one non-floating anode is separate from said at least one three dimensional, floating cathode; and wherein said three dimensional, floating cathode is adapted to work with variable water level conditions in said water environment; installing said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry in said water environment having said at least one contaminant; floating said at least one three dimensional, floating cathode near a surface of a water environment; contacting most of said three dimensional, floating cathode with either air or water of said water environment;
wherein part of said three dimensional, floating cathode is in contact with said air and part of said three dimensional, floating cathode is in contact with said water; generating rapid transfer of electrons from said environment to said at least one non-floating anode of said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry and to said at least one three dimensional, floating cathode of said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry through said at least one transmission line of said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry; utilizing no load or a limited load with said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry; wherein said limited load comprises up to about 10 ohms; stimulating said at least one microbial population with said rapid transfer of electrons from said water environment to said at least one non-floating anode of said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry and to said at least one three dimensional, floating cathode of said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry through said at least one transmission line of said bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry to provide at least one stimulated microbial population; and substantially ameliorating microbial biodegradation of said at least one contaminant in said water environment with said at least one stimulated microbial population.