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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Dynamic Electrochemical Measurement of Chloride Ions
Published on: February 5, 2016
Simultaneous nitrate and sulfide removal using a bio-electrochemical system
Alper Bayrakdar1, Ebrahim Tilahun2, Bariş Çalli2
1Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Necmettin Erbakan University, Environmental Engineering Department, 42090 Meram, Konya, Turkey.
This study shows bio-electrochemical systems (BES) can simultaneously remove sulfide and nitrate. These systems effectively treat wastewater containing both contaminants without mixing them.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Sulfide and nitrate contamination pose significant environmental challenges.
- Wastewater treatment often requires separate processes for sulfide and nitrate removal.
- Bio-electrochemical systems (BES) offer a potential integrated solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a two-chamber BES for simultaneous sulfide and nitrate removal.
- To investigate the performance of BES using sulfate-reducing reactor effluent and nitrate-rich groundwater.
- To determine sulfide oxidation and nitrate reduction rates in the BES.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-chamber bio-electrochemical system (BES).
- Fed anode chamber with sulfate-reducing reactor (SRR) effluent (electron donor).
- Fed cathode chamber with nitrate-rich groundwater (electron acceptor).
Main Results:
- Achieved sulfide oxidation rate of 10 gS/m3/d.
- Achieved nitrate reduction rate of 7.26 gN/m3/d.
- Observed higher electron demand for denitrification than supplied by the anode, suggesting additional electron sources.
Conclusions:
- BES are effective for simultaneous sulfide and nitrate removal from different sources without mixing.
- Potential for H2S diffusion and/or current collector corrosion to contribute electrons for denitrification.
- Optimized performance observed at pH 7-7.5 with SRR effluent feeding the anode.
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