This review comprehensively summarizes ORR catalysts used in MFCs with a focus on their synthesis/modification procedure, durability, economics, performance and stability.

A thermostable lipase was produced in continuous cultivation of a newly isolated thermophilic Bacillus sp. strain IHI-91 growing optimally at 65 degrees C. Lipase activity decreased with increasing dilution rate while lipase productivity showed a maximum of 340 U l-1 h-1 at a condition rate of 0.4 h-1. Lipase productivity was increased by 50% compared to data from batch fermentations. Up to 70% of the total lipase activity measured was associated to cells and by-products or residual substrate. Kinetic and stoichiometric parameters for the utilisation of olive oil were determined. The maximal biomass output method led to a saturation constant Ks of 0.88 g/l. Both batch growth data and a washout experiment yielded a maximal specific growth rate, mu max, of 1.0 h-1. Oxygen uptake rates of up to 2.9 g l-1 h-1 were calculated and the yield coefficient, Y X/O, was determined to be 0.29 g dry cell weight/g O2. From an overall material balance the yield coefficient, Y X/S, was estimated to be 0.60 g dry cell weight/g olive oil.

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Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) and forward osmosis (FO) are two emerging technologies with great potential for energy-efficient water/wastewater treatment. BES takes advantage of microbial interaction with a solid electron acceptor/donor to accomplish bioenergy recovery from organic compounds, and FO can extract high-quality water driven by an osmotic pressure. The strong synergy between those two technologies may complement each other and collaboratively address water-energy nexus. FO can assist BES with achieving water recovery (for future reuse), enhancing electricity generation, and supplying energy for accomplishing the cathode reactions; while BES may help FO with degrading organic contaminants, providing sustainable draw solute, and stabilizing water flux. This work has reviewed the recent development that focuses on the synergy between BES and FO, analyzed the advantages of each combination, and provided perspectives for future research. The findings encourage further investigation and development for efficient coordination between BES and FO towards an integrated system for wastewater treatment and reuse. OPEN ACCESSWater 2015, 7 39

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