RESUMEN
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES), mainly microbial fuel cells (MEC) and microbial electrolysis cells (MFC), are unique biosystems that use electroactive bacteria (EAB) to produce electrons in the form of electric energy for different applications. BES have attracted increasing attention as a sustainable, low-cost, and neutral-carbon option for energy production, wastewater treatment, and biosynthesis. Complex interactions between EAB and the electrode materials play a crucial role in system performance and scalability. The electron transfer processes from the EAB to the anode surface or from the cathode surface to the EAB have been the object of numerous investigations in BES, and the development of new materials to maximize energy production and overall performance has been a hot topic in the last years. The present review paper discusses the advances on innovative electrode materials for emerging BES, which include MEC coupled to anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD), Microbial Desalination Cells (MDC), plant-MFC (P-MFC), constructed wetlands-MFC (CW-MFC), and microbial electro-Fenton (BEF). Detailed insights on innovative electrode modification strategies to improve the electrode transfer kinetics on each emerging BES are provided. The effect of materials on microbial population is also discussed in this review. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities for materials scientists and engineers working in BES are presented at the end of this work aiming at scaling up and industrialization of such versatile systems.
Asunto(s)
Fuentes de Energía Bioeléctrica , Biopelículas , Electricidad , Electrodos , Electrólisis , Aguas Residuales/análisisRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of serum markers of viral hepatitis in health-care workers seems to be similar to that described in the general population, even though this group would appear at increased risk because exposure to potentially infectious material. There is scarce information available in Mexico in this regard. AIM: To define the prevalence of serum markers for hepatitis C (anti-HCV antibodies) and hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen, HBsAg) in health-care workers at the Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de Mexico y Municipios (ISSEMYM) and to establish the presence of viremia in subjects with positive serum markers. METHOD: Health-care workers from ISSEMyM with unknown hepatitis serologic status participated voluntarily in this trial. They completed a written questionnaire detailing potential risk factors for viral hepatitis and provided a blood sample. RESULTS: A total of 374 health-care workers were included. Seven subjects (1.8%) were positive, 5 for anti-HCV antibodies (1.3%) and 2 for HBsAg (0.5%). None of these subjects had detectable serum HCV RNA or HBV DNA on further testing. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of positive serum markers for viral hepatitis in this group of healthcare workers is similar to the estimated prevalence among the general population in Mexico. No case of active infection defined by positive viremia was encountered in this group of subjects.