RESEARCHERS at Murdoch University’s School of Environmental Science are showing off the latest developments in cutting-edge bioelectrical systems that turn wastewater into electricity.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) are bioelectrical systems (BESs) which are considered to be some of the most advanced models for energy efficient wastewater treatment, while recovering useful energy from the process.

Murdoch University is seeing commercial interest in its bioelectrical wastewater conversion technology / Image: Istockphoto

Now, investors around the world are turning their attention to the work of Professors Ralf Cord-Ruwisch and Goen Ho, and PhD student Ka Yu Cheng, who have received a patent on a new, more efficient BES, known as a rotatable bioelectrochemical contactor (RBEC). 

While rotating biological contactors (RBCs) have been used by the wastewater treatment industry for 30 years, the Murdoch team’s new RBEC increases the efficiency of the process by more than 15 percent.  

Prof Ho says “just by doing something simple, you can increase the efficiency without using any more power”. 

The RBEC system works by using microorganisms (bacteria) to catalyze either anodic or cathodic material, which generate electrons, which can then generate electricity as a by-product when the RBEC is used as a MFC model. 

The system is also the first of its kind. 

Mr Cheng says he is incredibly excited about the success of the three year project. 

“Firstly, because I find the research so fascinating as it allows me to see how microorganisms work at electron flow levels,” he says. 

“But also because the RBEC project is a truly interdisciplinary topic, involving not only biotechnology but mechanical and material science.” 

Mr Cheng says, with the looming onset of a global energy crisis, that he hopes to become more involved in research and development of biofuels and bioelectricity. 

“It is not possible to transform today’s use of fossil fuels overnight,” he says. 

“It’s a long-term process. The most important thing is to change our mindset and think of better ways to use our existing bioresources.” 

Mr Cheng came to Murdoch as an international student from Hong Kong and not only received a Discoverers Grant from the University, but also a Huber Technology Award for his work in the field. 

He also says he owes much to the guidance and support of his two PhD supervisors, Prof Ho and Professor Cord-Ruwisch. 

For people interested in understanding more about the Western Australian context of the energy crisis, Murdoch University’s Professor David Doepel will be participating in The Green New Deal seminar on September 18.

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