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Adapting a denitrifying biocathode for perchlorate reduction.

Caitlyn Shea¹, Peter Clauwaert, Willy Verstraete

¹Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA. cshea1@nd.edu

Water Science and Technology : a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research

|November 29, 2008

Summary

Dissimilatory perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PCRB) can treat perchlorate contamination by using a microbial fuel cell (MFC) cathode as an electron donor. This study confirms PCRB can function without added electron shuttles, offering a novel bioremediation strategy.

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Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery

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Published on: January 22, 2015

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Microbiology
Electrochemistry

Background:

Perchlorate is an environmental contaminant due to its use in aerospace and defense industries.
Perchlorate inhibits thyroid function and is highly mobile in water.
Bioreduction to chloride by dissimilatory perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PCRB) is a promising remediation strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate perchlorate reduction using a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a denitrifying biocathode.
To confirm if PCRB can utilize the cathode as an electron donor without exogenous electron shuttles.

Main Methods:

A functioning MFC with a denitrifying biocathode was employed.
Perchlorate concentration was gradually increased while nitrate concentration was decreased.
Perchlorate reduction rates and MFC performance were monitored.

Main Results:

The MFC achieved a maximum perchlorate removal rate of 12 mg/L-d.
Perchlorate reduction contributed 64% to the cell's electrical output.
Perchlorate reduction efficiency improved over time, indicating adaptation.

Conclusions:

PCRB can effectively utilize the MFC cathode as an electron donor for perchlorate bioremediation.
This process can occur without the need for external electron shuttles.
MFCs offer a viable technology for in-situ perchlorate remediation.