ElectroAD · Novel hybrid electro-anaerobic digestion system for simultaneous antibiotics removal and bioenergy recovery

The overuse or misuse of antibiotics has caused new pollution challenges and the development of antibiotic bacteria. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is sustainable biotechnology that can couple waste pollution control and bioenergy methane (CH4) recovery. However, AD fails to achieve satisfactory antibiotic removal due to the low concentration and low biodegradability of antibiotics, and the high toxicity of antibiotics on microbial activity. To address these scientific challenges, in this project, we aim to develop a novel hybrid electro-AD system by coupling the application of external voltage and the addition of activated carbon for the enhancement of antibiotic removal and renewable bioenergy recovery. The novel hybrid electro-AD system will synergistically incorporate high adsorption capacity by activated carbon, high biodegradability of antibiotics by bioelectrochemical reduction, and high methanogenic activity mediated by extracellular electron transfer (EET). An excellent array of multidisciplinary methods incorporating electrochemistry, bioinformatics, and molecular biology will be applied to achieve this objective and unravel underlying mechanisms of enhanced EET and antibiotics removal. The results will further create new knowledge of microbial ecological function in AD and advance the application of anaerobic technology to crucial environmental protection scenarios. Combining my background with the training of advanced instruments offered by the host (Dr. Guangxue Wu at NUI Galway) and expertise in quantifying trace compounds from the secondment (Dr. Konrad Koch at TUM), this project will lead to the realization of new anaerobic biotechnology that can achieve simultaneous energy recovery and efficient antibiotic removal, contributing to scientific, societal, and economic impacts. Being an independent investigator of this project, this fellowship will provide an excellent chance for me to become an independent research group leader in my future career.