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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Plant-Microbe Interactions Through Root Exudates in a Novel Growth System
Published on: November 17, 2023
The plant-enhanced bio-cathode: Root exudates and microbial community for nitrogen removal
Henan Li1, Youpeng Qu2, Yan Tian3
1School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
Abstract:
A plant bio-electrochemical system (PBES) was constructed for organic pollutant removal and power generation. The bio-cathode, composed of granular activated carbon (GAC), stainless wire mesh and a plant species (Triticum aestivum L.), was able to catalyze cathodic reactions without any requirement for aeration or power input. During the 60-day-long operation, an average voltage of 516 mV (1000 Ω) and maximum power density (Pmax) of 0.83 W/m3 were obtained in the PBES. The total nitrogen removal and total organic carbon removal in the PBES were 85% and 97%, respectively. Microbial community analyses indicated that bacteria associated with power generation and organic removal were the predominant species in the bio-cathode, and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria were also found in the PBES. The results suggested that the coupling of plants with the GAC cathode may enhance the organic-matter degradation and energy generation from wastewater and therefore provide a new method for bio-cathode design and promote energy efficiency.
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