The objectives were fully achieved despite that at the beginning of the ElectroSAnMBR project coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe (February/ March 2020). Complete lockdown during the first months in Cyprus and in specific periods the following months affected the implementation of the whole project (e.g. no access in the Laboratory during lockdown periods, significant delays in consumables arrival etc.). However, the arisen difficulties were addressed and the project achieved the initial goals.
3 different carbon-based electrodes were successfully synthesized (carbon foam, carbon cloth, 3-dimensional graphene foam) and examined for their ability to degrade BW. Microbial electrolysis cell coupled with anaerobic granular sludge (MEC-AGS) bioreactors were designed and constructed. Their effectiveness was investigated and validated under batch mode. 2 pilot-scale SAnMBR/e-SAnMBR bioreactors were designed, constructed and operated under continuous flow testing of various critical parameters involved in the treatment process. Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technology (GC-MS), evaluation of biotransformation products after treatment by MEC-AGSs was performed. Toxic effect on different types of plant seeds was examined. Microbial community was fruitfully monitored, providing a clear overview regarding strains abundance involved during treatment by EC-AD.
The overall implementation of ElectroSAnMBR project allowed Dr Gatidou to involve novel aspects from many disciplines such as environmental biotechnology, material science, molecular microbiology, bioelectrochemistry, chemical engineering and environmental analysis to solve a complex problem. She manufactured and modified electrodes after training, learned anaerobic biotechnology techniques, learned and operated bioelectrochemical systems, actively involved in designing and constructing MEC-Ads, set up and operated pilots' SAnMBRs with MECs, investigated the microbial profile in bioreactors and assessed the ecotoxicology of SAnMBRs effluents. She was actively involved in managing the project, attended several webinars and international scientific conferences, trained to analytical techniques,supervised and supported students during the implementation of their thesis. Consequently, she broadened her research network and increased her knowledge and skills regarding successful and well-targeted research achievement. She enhanced her leadership skills by supervising students, staff from Ecofuel and coordinating the Environmental Engineering Laboratory (EEL) with tasks including MSc/PhD student's supervision and organization of the group meetings, a workshop for students and open day tours. As a result, her career prospects were widened and became a more competitive candidate in Academia and industry. Indeed, after completing the fellowship, she received a permanent job as a Laboratory Teaching Staff at the Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, Greece.
Promotion of the ElectroSAnMBR project was performed through a website specially constructed for the project and social media (ResearchGate, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), participation to international scientific conferences (4), open access publications to international scientific journals with peer review (3), open day tours and workshop about the project. These activities took place at EEL, Ecofuel Ltd Company which treats BWs and in Sewerage Board of Limassol-Amathus. Dr Gatidou developed short videos regarding the results of the ElectroSAnMBR project, short articles to newspapers and websites of public interest, and a patent draft.
