Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
08:52
Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms
Published on: June 1, 2018
Bioelectrochemical perchlorate reduction in a microbial fuel cell
Caitlyn S Butler1, Peter Clauwaert, Stefan J Green
1Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Microbial fuel cells effectively treat perchlorate contamination in water. This study identified perchlorate-reducing bacteria that utilize the cathode as an electron donor, enabling simultaneous water purification and energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Perchlorate is a mobile contaminant in water with adverse effects on thyroid function.
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a potential treatment method for perchlorate contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a microbial fuel cell with a denitrifying biocathode for perchlorate reduction.
- To identify perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PCRB) that can utilize a biocathode.
Main Methods:
- A microbial fuel cell with a denitrifying biocathode was operated under varying perchlorate and nitrate loads.
- Bacterial communities in the anode and biocathode were analyzed using molecular techniques.
- Perchlorate removal rates and cathodic conversion efficiency were measured.
Main Results:
- Perchlorate reduction was achieved by increasing perchlorate loading and decreasing nitrate loading.
- Maximum perchlorate removal reached 24 mg/L-d with 84% cathodic conversion efficiency.
- The biocathode community primarily comprised iron-oxidizing genera, distinct from purely denitrifying communities.
Conclusions:
- Perchlorate-reducing bacteria can utilize a cathode as an electron donor in MFCs.
- MFCs with denitrifying biocathodes are effective for perchlorate treatment and power generation.
- This technology offers a sustainable solution for perchlorate-contaminated water sources.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Microbial Fuel Cells
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical devices that generate electricity by exploiting the metabolic processes of electrogenic bacteria. These systems provide a renewable energy source and serve as an innovative method for treating organic waste, such as wastewater.A typical MFC consists of two chambers: an anoxic (oxygen-free) compartment that houses the bacteria and an oxic (oxygen-rich) compartment that contains oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. Many MFCs use proton...
03:00Electrolysis
In a galvanic cell, the electrical work is done by a redox system on its surroundings as electrons produced by the spontaneous redox reactions are transferred through an external circuit. Alternatively, an external circuit does work on a redox system by imposing a voltage sufficient to drive an otherwise nonspontaneous reaction in a process known as electrolysis. For instance, recharging a battery involves the use of an external power source to drive the spontaneous (discharge) cell reaction in...
01:15Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation. However, because inorganic electron donors...
03:12Batteries and Fuel Cells
A battery is a galvanic cell that is used as a source of electrical power for specific applications. Modern batteries exist in a multitude of forms to accommodate various applications, from tiny button batteries such as those that power wristwatches to the very large batteries used to supply backup energy to municipal power grids. Some batteries are designed for single-use applications and cannot be recharged (primary cells), while others are based on conveniently reversible cell reactions that...
01:28Electrochemical Cells
Electrochemical cells are systems that convert chemical energy into electrical energy or use electrical energy to drive chemical reactions. They consist of two electrodes in contact with an electrolyte, where redox reactions enable electron transfer. Most electrochemical cells include two half-cells connected by an external wire for electron flow and a salt bridge for ion flow. The salt bridge contains an electrolyte solution and maintains charge neutrality by allowing ions—not electrons—to...
01:30Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems play a key role in the natural breakdown of contaminants introduced through domestic and industrial effluents. Acting as biological catalysts, these microbes change and mineralize a wide range of organic and inorganic pollutants under different redox conditions.In oxygen-rich surface waters, aerobic heterotrophs lead organic matter breakdown, using oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor to efficiently oxidize substrates to carbon dioxide and water.