Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
09:50
Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
13.3K
Simultaneous pollutant removal and electricity generation in denitrifying microbial fuel cell with boric acid-borate
Gang Chen1, Shaohui Zhang1, Meng Li1
1School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Summary
This study shows that a denitrifying microbial fuel cell (MFC) using boric acid-borate buffer effectively removes pollutants and generates electricity. Optimal performance was achieved with a 100 mmol/L buffer concentration at 25 °C.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment and energy recovery.
- Phosphate buffer solutions commonly used in MFCs can lead to eutrophication.
- Developing alternative buffer systems is crucial for eco-friendly MFC applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a boric acid-borate buffer solution in a double-chamber denitrifying MFC.
- To determine the optimal conditions (buffer concentration, temperature, external resistance) for electricity generation and pollutant removal.
- To evaluate the performance of the MFC using this alternative buffer system.
Main Methods:
- A double-chamber denitrifying microbial fuel cell was constructed and operated.
- Boric acid-borate buffer solution was used as an alternative to phosphate buffer.
- System parameters including buffer concentration, temperature, and external resistance were systematically varied.
- Electricity generation (cell voltage, power density) and pollutant removal efficiency (nitrogen, organic matter) were monitored.
Main Results:
- The MFC successfully started up in 51 days, achieving a stable voltage of 205.1 ± 1.96 mV at 50 Ω.
- Higher buffer concentrations (up to 100 mmol/L) enhanced nitrogen removal and electricity generation, yielding a maximum power density of 8.27 W/m³.
- Increased temperature (optimal at 25 °C) and decreased external resistance improved nitrogen removal and organic matter consumption.
Conclusions:
- Boric acid-borate buffer solution is a viable and effective alternative to phosphate buffers in denitrifying MFCs.
- Optimized buffer concentration, temperature, and external resistance significantly enhance MFC performance for wastewater treatment and energy generation.
- This study demonstrates a promising approach for sustainable pollutant removal and bioelectricity production.
Related Concept Videos
00:46Bioremediation
23.1K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
23.1K
01:26Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
97
Bioremediation is an environmentally sustainable process that employs living organisms—primarily microorganisms—to degrade or neutralize pollutants from contaminated environments. In oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution, bioremediation involves the use of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to transform toxic compounds into less harmful substances. This approach leverages natural microbial metabolic processes and is considered both cost-effective and ecologically favorable compared to...
97
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
1.5K
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
1.5K
01:25Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
73
Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella,...
73
01:15Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
1.3K
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.
1.3K
01:22Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer
7.9K
The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system is critical for maintaining the body's pH balance. It operates on the equilibrium:
7.9K