New technology helps filter wastewater, provide power

Material developed to help power cars of the future could also revolutionize wastewater treatment, researchers say. The “microbial fuel cell” technology being developed at Oregon State University had been used to create electricity or hydrogen to power a new generation of vehicles viewed as the most practical alternative to gasoline-powered cars and trucks.

“In the United States, about $25 billion a year is spent for domestic wastewater treatment, so major cost savings may be possible,” said Hong Liu, an assistant professor of biological and ecological engineering at Oregon State.

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