Biohybrid-based pyroelectric bio-denitrification driven by temperature fluctuations

Jie Ye, Shuhui Wang, Chaohui Yang, Zhenhao Zuo, Wenzhi Gu, Baogang Zhang () and Shungui Zhou ()
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Jie Ye: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Shuhui Wang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Chaohui Yang: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Zhenhao Zuo: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Wenzhi Gu: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University
Baogang Zhang: China University of Geosciences Beijing
Shungui Zhou: Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Bio-denitrification is vital in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), yet its integration with naturally abundant thermal energy remains unexplored. Here, we introduce a biohybrid-based pyroelectric bio-denitrification (BHPD) process that harnesses thermoelectric energy from ambient temperature fluctuations. By integrating Thiobacillus denitrificans with tungsten disulfide (WS2), we develop a biohybrid system that achieves complete denitrification over three 5-day cycles under 5 °C temperature fluctuations. WS2 either precipitates on the cellular surface or is internalized by cells, generating pyroelectric charges that serve as reducing equivalents to drive bio-denitrification. In real wastewater, the BHPD process enhances nitrate removal by up to 8.09-fold under natural temperature fluctuations compared to stable-temperature conditions. Life-cycle assessment demonstrates that the BHPD process has significantly lower environmental impacts than the conventional anaerobic-anoxic-oxic process, and cost analysis confirms its economic feasibility. Our findings highlight the potential of the pyroelectric effect in enhancing bio-denitrification, offering valuable insights for a paradigm shift in WWTPs.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60908-w

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