Work

Electrochemical Methods for Protein and Lipid Recovery and Valorization from Waste Activated Sludge

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Waste activated sludge (WAS), traditionally considered a by-product of biological wastewater treatment, is increasingly recognized as a valuable source of proteins, lipids, nutrients, and other biomolecules with potential for resource recovery and environmental sustainability. Electrochemical technologies have emerged as promising approaches for WAS valorization because they can promote extracellular polymeric substance disruption, microbial cell lysis, and biomolecule release under controllable conditions. This review examines recent advances in the electrochemical recovery of proteins and lipids from WAS, focusing on the mechanisms governing their release, including reactive oxygen species generation, electron transfer, electroporation, and electro-osmotic effects. Electrooxidation, electro-Fenton, electrocoagulation, bioelectrochemical systems, and hybrid electrochemical processes are compared in terms of treatment conditions, recovery performance, and preservation of biomolecule quality. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of these technologies to recover proteins and lipids while limiting excessive oxidation that may compromise their structural integrity and subsequent applications. The potential integration of recovered biomolecules into sludge biorefineries for producing biofuels, biomaterials and other value-added products is discussed within a circular bioeconomy framework. Overall, electrochemical technologies represent a versatile pathway for converting WAS from an environmental liability into a source of high-quality biomolecules and renewable products, supporting the transition of wastewater treatment plants toward integrated resource recovery and more sustainable environmental management.

Source: Environments

DOI: 10.3390/environments13110600

Authors: Carlos E. Barrera-Díaz, José Antonio Barrios Pérez, Pedro Avila-Pérez, Nelly González-Rivas, Juan Manuel Peralta-Hernández

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Instituto de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Universidad de Guanajuato

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Nitrogen Removal

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172