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Performance of Denitrifying Microbial Fuel Cell with Biocathode over Nitrite
Huimin Zhao1, Jianqiang Zhao2, Fenghai Li3
1Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an UniversityXi'an, China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Heze UniversityHeze, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 6, 2016
Summary
This study explores microbial fuel cells (MFCs) using nitrite for simultaneous nitrogen removal and electricity generation. Optimal conditions achieved high total nitrogen removal rates, prioritizing nitrogen removal over power output at lower resistances.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment.
- Simultaneous nitrogen removal and electricity generation in MFCs is an emerging field.
- Nitrite as a cathode electron acceptor presents a novel pathway for denitrification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of influent nitrite concentration on denitrifying MFC performance.
- To determine the effect of external resistance on nitrogen removal and electricity generation.
- To identify microbial communities involved in the denitrification process within the MFC cathode.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of denitrifying MFC performance under varying nitrite concentrations and external resistances.
- Utilized denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for microbial community analysis.
- Quantified total nitrogen (TN) removal rates and monitored electricity generation.
Main Results:
- Optimal conditions yielded a maximum TN removal rate of 54.80 ± 0.01 g m(-3) d(-1).
- Lower external resistance favored TN removal over electricity generation.
- Proteobacteria dominated the microbial community (35.72%), with Thiobacillus and Afipia potentially aiding nitrite removal.
- Devosia presence indicated nitrite oxidation to nitrate, while Ignavibacterium and Anaerolineaceae suggested substrate permeation.
Conclusions:
- Denitrifying MFCs with nitrite as a cathode electron acceptor are effective for simultaneous nitrogen removal and electricity production.
- External resistance significantly influences the balance between nitrogen removal efficiency and power generation.
- Microbial community structure, including specific genera like Thiobacillus, Afipia, Devosia, Ignavibacterium, and Anaerolineaceae, plays a crucial role in the MFC's biogeochemical processes.
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