Microbial Hydroponics: Circular Sustainable Electrobiosynthesis

Projektinformationen

Mi-Hy

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101114746

DOI

10.3030/101114746

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 14 Juni 2023

Startdatum 1 November 2023

Enddatum 31 Oktober 2027

Finanziert unter

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Gesamtkosten

€ 3 536 855,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 3 536 855,00

Koordiniert durch

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Mi-Hy (Microbial Hydroponics: Circular Sustainable Electrobiosynthesis)

Berichtszeitraum: 2023-11-01 bis 2024-10-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Mi-Hy is a groundbreaking platform combining Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology with hydroponics to create a circular, sustainable system for urban agriculture. By integrating carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus metabolism, it optimizes nutrient use and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers. Its innovative "prosthetic rhizosphere" employs microbial communities to enhance plant nutrition while recycling household wastewater and atmospheric CO2 into valuable outputs like food and animal feed. Additionally, the system generates renewable electricity, further boosting its sustainability.

The project is executed in two phases: initial system characterization (Phase 1) and integration with Microbial Electrolysis Cells (Phase 2), allowing scalability and diverse applications. Mi-Hy supports Industry 5.0 goals, using IoT and big data for precise nitrogen management and sustainable farming. It addresses environmental challenges by reducing nitrogen pollution, enhancing soil health, and lowering carbon footprints while delivering economic benefits like cost savings and new revenue streams.

Mi-Hy also fosters community engagement through art, design, and architecture to raise awareness and drive adoption. Prototyping, exhibitions, Maker Faires, and educational outreach ensure the project is relatable and promotes eco-friendly practices. Supported by the ACORN booster grant, Mi-Hy is developing strategies to market its solutions effectively, aiming to transform urban agriculture and drive innovation in nutrient management and bioelectrical systems.

As a platform for the 4th agricultural revolution, Mi-Hy envisions sustainable food systems and urban living, offering a scalable, impactful solution for modern environmental and societal challenges.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

WP1: MFC Development and Testing

Fabricated two MFC modules (40 units), producing 1.2 L liquid fertilizer/48 h from 2.5 L untreated sewage.
Delivered ~30 L fertilizer to WP2 for hydroponics testing.
Demonstrated MFC operation at Mi-Hy workshop; achieved average power outputs of 1 mW (synthetic urine) and 0.85 mW (sewage).
WP2: Hydroponics System Development

Established hydroponics systems with full control over light spectrum and nitrogen supply.
Collaborated with WP3 on plant root exudates and WP4 on digital modeling.
Developed protocols for evaluating biofilm performance and provided data for WP4.
WP3: Microbial Optimization

Designed MFC medium using artificial urine, nutrient solution, and basil exudates.
Identified Ophiostoma piceae as a biofilm enhancer, boosting electroactivity in microbial consortia.
Refined techniques for microbial growth and data collection.
WP4: Digital Modeling

Integrated experimental data to create initial system models and descriptors for performance logic.
Outlined recommendations for phased implementation and developed foundational models for system specifications.
WP5: Dissemination and Communication

Developed the project website, CSIP, and "Virtual Lab Protocol" for coordination.
Showcased outcomes via the public XENO installation.
WP6: Project Coordination

Delivered all management tasks on schedule, including strategic plans and kick-off meeting organization.
WP7: Networking and Collaborations

Built partnerships with MINICOR, HYDROCOW, SUPERVAL, and ICONIC.
Secured ACORN funding to expand project impact.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

We are still in the first year of the project development and potential IP is described in the Innovation Radar document.

Hydroponics system installed at BFC, Vienna, exploring light on plant growth

Mi-Hy diagram (Hydroponics + MFC integrated)

Integrated MFC/hydroponics system at SOTON