Turning waste into a resource: APSCC co-organised a three-day SERB-DST National Workshop on Bioelectrochemical Systems (BES) at Pondicherry University, bringing together leading experts to explore microbial fuel cells, wastewater treatment and the recovery of energy and nutrients from waste streams.
Hosted by the Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University, and jointly supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and APSCC, the workshop (July 22–24, 2019) offered a rare blend of theory, hands-on training and forward-looking dialogue on one of environmental engineering's most promising frontiers.
Leading voices in bioelectrochemistry
Four distinguished experts from premier Indian research institutions led the sessions — sharing frontier research across microbial fuel cells, sustainable energy, bioelectrochemical systems and wastewater treatment.
Hands-on training and knowledge exchange
Beyond lectures, participants engaged in practical training in the design and fabrication of bioelectrochemical systems and core electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A poster session showcased participant research on microbial electrosynthesis, biosensors and energy recovery.
The workshop drew a diverse audience — faculty, researchers, graduate students, industry professionals and municipality representatives — creating fertile ground for knowledge exchange, skill development, networking and the showcasing of innovation.
Why bioelectrochemical systems matter
Bioelectrochemical systems harness the metabolism of microorganisms to do remarkable things at once: they can recover nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, produce electricity, and treat wastewater — reframing waste streams as feedstock for a cleaner, circular energy future.
Aligned with the SDGs
The workshop advanced the following Sustainable Development Goals — supporting clean water, affordable clean energy, resilient innovation and responsible resource use:
Bioelectrochemical systems show us that waste is not the end of the story — it is the raw material for our energy future.
Event: National Workshop on Bioelectrochemical Technologies, Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, Pondicherry University · SERB-DST & APSCC · July 22–24, 2019.