Bioelectrochemical bioreactor

A method for converting one or more influent streams into an effluent stream comprising short chain organic C1 to C6 hydrocarbons or derivatives thereof in a single anaerobic bioreactor comprising electrodes;

• wherein the one or more influent streams comprise a wastewater stream comprising organic compounds and a gaseous or aqueous syngas stream comprising inorganic carbon compounds consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally one or both of carbon dioxide and methane;
• wherein the wastewater stream and the syngas stream are introduced separately or are pre-combined prior to introduction into the single anaerobic bioreactor;
• and
• wherein said single anaerobic bioreactor comprises biofilms growing on cathodes and optionally on anodes, as well as microorganisms in suspension;
• said method comprising:
• electrochemical oxidation of said organic compounds, thereby forming inorganic carbon compounds;
• and
• bio-electrochemical reduction of said inorganic carbon compounds, thereby forming short chained organic C1 to C6 hydrocarbons or derivatives thereof;
• wherein said method further comprises solubilizing the syngas and/or pre-fermenting the syngas with homoacetogenic bacteria prior to said syngas entering into said single anaerobic bioreactor.