Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are devices capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy using microorganisms as catalysts. These systems have been extensively studied at the laboratory level, but, due to multiple difficulties, their large-scale implementation has been explored only sparingly. This study presents the most recent technological advances for scaling up BESs. In the same way, the main technical and economic challenges that hinder the correct implementation of these systems at a large scale are mentioned. The study concludes with a review of successful case studies in scaling up BESs and discusses future directions and emerging trends.

The incidence of antibiotics and transcriptional regulation of ARGs in isolated bacteria from wastewater needs to be explored. By HPLC, in samples of untreated wastewater, ampicillin (49.74 ± 5.70 µg/mL), chloramphenicol (0.60 ± 0.03 µg/mL), tylosin (72.95 ± 2.03 µg/mL), and oxytetracycline (0.22 ± 0.01 µg/mL) was determined. Through metagenomic analysis identified 58 bacterial species belonging to 9 phyla and at least 14 species have shown resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Twenty-two bacterial isolates were proved to be resistant to fifteen antibiotics of new generation and used in medical research to combat infectious diseases. Fourteen strains were shown to harbor plasmids in size ranges of 2–5 Kb, 6–10 Kb and plasmids with size greater than 10 Kb. By quantitative PCR it was possible to identify genes sul, qnr, cat1, aadA1, and sat-1 gene were shown to be present in gDNA samples from treated and untreated samples of wastewater and by relative expression analysis, differential expression of cat1, ermB, act, and tetA genes was demonstrated in strains that showed identity with Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, and Salmonella thyphi, and that were stressed with different concentrations of antibiotics. The presence of ARGs in untreated water samples, as well as in bacterial isolates, was indicative that in these habitats there are microorganisms that can resist β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and quinolones.

The genome sequence of Pantoea agglomerans UADEC20 is presented, which is a strain isolated from agricultural fields in northeast Mexico. The genome was assembled into 13 scaffolds, constituting a total chromosome size of 4.2 Mbp, with two of the scaffolds representing closed plasmids. The strain exhibits activity in phosphate solubilization and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and secretion; therefore, we explored its biotechnological potential via its genome sequencing and annotation. Genomic analyses showed that a total of 57 and 58 coding sequences (CDSs) related to phosphate solubilization and EPS production were identified within its genome, in addition to a reduced number of CDSs related to drug resistance and phages. The comprehensive set of genes supporting phosphate solubilization, EPS synthesis, and secretion, along with its low virulence and antibiotic resistance levels, justify further research for its potential biotechnological application and possible use as a plant growth-promoting agent in the field. These findings suggest a unique genetic background in the P. agglomerans UADEC20 strain.

The guishe is a by-product of the fiber extraction from Agave lechuguilla. This material has no commercial value, although it contains metabolites that could be used as a resource for producing high-value products. This study optimized the DPPH^• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of polyphenolic compounds from Agave lechuguilla residues. The MAE process was optimized using a Box-Behnken design, with extraction time (5–15 min), temperature (40–50 °C), and solvent: sample ratio (1:20–1:30 m/v) as independent variables. In contrast, the dependent variable was DPPH^• free radical scavenging activity. As a result, the highest antioxidant activity was at 8 min of irradiation, extraction temperature of 45 °C, and solvent: sample ratio 1:30 w/v, obtaining a total flavonoid content of 19.25 ± 0.60 mg QE/g DW, a total polyphenol content of 6.59 ± 0.31 mg GAE/g DW, a DPPH^• free radical scavenging activity of 73.35 ± 1.90%, and an ABTS^+• ([2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)]) free radical scavenging activity of 91.93 ± 0.68%.

Anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural, industrial, and domestic, generate wastewater, leading to environmental concerns. Wastewater constituents (organic matter, pathogens, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and nutrients) have a negative impact if not treated, harming ecosystems and human health. Phytoremediator plants are a good option for domestic wastewater treatment since they help remove pollutants through their physiological activities, which are highly related to anatomical adaptations due to their growth in humid habitats. Macrophytes are a useful tool when coupled with a bioelectrochemical constructed wetland and MFC (CW-MFC), which can enhance the removal efficiency of organic matter present in wastewater and promote higher bioelectricity due to the root activity of plants. This review aims to compare different aquatic macrophyte types in wastewater treatment efficiency and provide useful information for plant selection.