Technology

BioElectrochemical Refining Coupled with Nature-Based Solutions

Our modular system utilizes an advanced microbial and electrochemical process to efficiently break down organic wastes releasing nitrogen, phosphorous and micronutrients, while also producing renewable hydrogen-based fuels. We have developed a patented process which results in a robust microbial community capable of high-rate and efficient conversion of any organic waste. The use of a waste feedstock reduces electrical input to produce hydrogen fuels  compared to water electrolysis, providing a more cost-effective alternative. At the same time, other elements present in organic waste are refined, releasing, N, P, K, Mg, and other micronutrients, which can be captured via downstream processing.

The insoluble and fibrous solids from waste are processed to generate a highly organic-rich soil additive. It contains > 85% organics and > 80% of the nitrogen and phosphorous is also organically bound. It serves as a slow-release fertilizer and is activated by native soil biology, supplying nutrition to plants as needed via plant-microbe information exchange. This is ideal source of food for the soil ecosystem and can support soil biology and its regeneration as well as increase in soil organic carbon and water retention capacity. It is also a source of micronutrients for the microbiome, rhizome and consequently the plant itself. The soil additive has been used to grow a mini-forest in Knoxville, TN to demonstrate a path to integrate waste recovery to Nature-based solution for addressing today's problems.

The combined organic plus inorganic nutrients derived from food waste are formulated into custom fertilizers to support specific crops, soil and geography.

The technology is based on more than 10 years of research in the areas of waste to energy and bioelectrochemical systems. The background S&T can be found in the following publications:

Microbial Fuel Cells and Microbial Electrolyzers 

Electroactive biofilms: current status and future research needs 

Hydrogen production from  biomass

Estimating hydrogen production using microbial electrolysis cell technology

Proton transfer in microbial electrolysis cells 

Complete list of publications