Toward a circular nitrogen bioeconomy: integrating nitrogen bioconcentration, separations, and high-value products for nitrogen recovery

Edward Apraku, McKenna Farmer, Chayse Lavallais, Danna A. Soriano, Justin Notestein, Keith Tyo, Jennifer Dunn, William A. Tarpeh, George F. Wells

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Recovering nitrogen (N) from wastewater is a potential avenue to reduce reliance on energy-intensive synthetic nitrogen fixation via Haber-Bosch and subsequent treatment of N-laden wastewaters through nitrification–denitrification. However, many technical and economic factors hinder widespread application of N recovery, particularly low N concentrations in municipal wastewater, paucity of high-efficiency separations technologies compatible with biological treatment, and suitable products and markets for recovered N. In this perspective, we contextualize the challenges of N recovery today, propose integrated biological and physicochemical technologies to improve selective and tunable N recovery, and propose an expanded product portfolio for recovered N products beyond fertilizers. We highlight cyanophycin, an N-rich biopolymer produced by a diverse range of bacteria, as a potential target for N bioconcentration and downstream recovery from municipal wastewater. This perspective emphasizes the equal importance of integrated biological systems, physicochemical separations, and market assessment in advancing nitrogen recovery from wastewater.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number103225
JournalCurrent Opinion in Biotechnology
Volume91
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2025
Externally publishedYes

Funding

The authors acknowledge the National Science Foundation\u2019s support via Award #2033793.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

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