Student Researchers: Carolyn Eloy, Jolie Estevao, Alfardi Nuruzzaman, Khushi Prajapati, Riyashi Varia
Microbial Fuel Cell Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Lower Hackensack River
In September of 2022, the EPA designated the Lower Hackensack River as a superfund site, adding it to the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL assigns priority to contaminated environments threatening local residential or wildlife populations. The Hackensack river supports over 30 designated endangered or threatened species, and is in close proximity to densely populated towns throughout Hudson and Bergen County. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic compounds produced when coal, oil, and gas is burned, are one of the many chemicals contaminating the sediments in the Lower Hackensack river.
Our research focuses on the degradation potential of an emerging technology known as the microbial fuel cell (MFC). The MFC relies on an electrode to capture the electrons produced by electrogenic bacteria to create an electrical current. Electrogenic bacteria thrive in compost and wastewater, breaking down hazardous organic compounds. Carbon felt electrodes promote microbial growth, resulting in biofilm formation, and an accelerated degradation process.
We will use three-dimensional printing technology and other materials to build cost-effective sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC). Our team will then test the efficiency of these mechanisms to degrade PAHs within Hackensack River sediments. We predict a reduction in the concentration of PAHs. Previous studies indicate that electrochemical systems support microbial degradation of PAHs, while suggesting further research is required to clarify the key biological players. (Hao et al., 2020)
