Bioelectrochemical method and apparatus for energy reclamation from nitrogen compounds

A method of treating an aqueous solution and producing methane using an electrolytic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an aqueous electrolyte effecting ionic communication between the anode and the cathode, and operative microorganisms disposed relative to the anode and the cathode in the cell or on the anode wherein the anode is electrically coupled to the cathode, the method comprising:

• establishing a reactive process, including:
• supplying the aqueous solution to the electrolytic cell such that the aqueous solution becomes disposed in electrical communication with the anode, the aqueous solution comprising at least one nitrogen-containing compound;
• supplying an oxidant to the electrolytic cell such that the oxidant becomes disposed in electrical communication with the cathode;
• wherein the supplying of the aqueous solution and the supplying of an oxidant cooperate with effect that:
• (i) electrolytic oxidation of the at least one nitrogen-containing compound is facilitated at the anode by the operative microorganisms;
• and
• (ii) the oxidant is reduced at the cathode to produce methane;
• and
• collecting the produced methane;
• wherein the oxidant comprises carbon dioxide, and the electrolytic cell contains less than 100 μmol L−1 of free oxygen.