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Accelerated microbial reductive dechlorination of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by weak electrical stimulation
Xiao-Qiu Lin1, Zhi-Ling Li1, Bin Liang2
1State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China.
Water Research
|July 7, 2019
Summary
Weak electrical stimulation significantly boosted microbial dechlorination of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) by 3.1 times, achieving complete degradation to phenol. This method enhances bioremediation efficiency for chlorinated aromatics.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Bioelectrochemistry
Background:
- Microbial dechlorination of chlorinated aromatics is slow and can produce toxic byproducts.
- Biocathode bioelectrochemical systems show promise for degrading refractory pollutants.
- The mechanisms of electro-stimulated bio-dechlorination are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of weak electro-stimulation on 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) dechlorination.
- To elucidate the electrochemical and microbial mechanisms underlying enhanced bio-dechlorination.
- To optimize dechlorination conditions and understand microbial community dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a biocathode bioelectrochemical system with weak electro-stimulation (cathode potential of -0.36 V vs. SHE).
- Measured dechlorination rates and coulombic efficiency.
- Analyzed cathodic biofilm using cyclic voltammetry.
- Investigated microbial community structure and interactions under different conditions.
- Assessed the impact of lactate addition on dechlorination and gas production.
Main Results:
- Electro-stimulation increased the 2,4,6-TCP dechlorination rate by 3.1 times, achieving complete degradation to phenol.
- High dechlorination rates (20.8 μM/d) were maintained with 82.3% coulombic efficiency, using the electrode as an electron donor.
- Cyclic voltammetry confirmed enhanced cathodic respiration and reduction of chlorinated phenols.
- Optimal dechlorination (24.2 μM/d) occurred with 2 mM lactate, accompanied by H2 and CH4 production.
- Electrical stimulation simplified biofilm structure, favoring potential dechlorinators like Acetobacterium and promoting positive interactions between dechlorinators and fermenters.
Conclusions:
- Weak electro-stimulation is a highly effective strategy for enhancing microbial reductive dechlorination of 2,4,6-TCP.
- The study revealed key microbial mechanisms and interactions involved in electro-stimulated bioremediation.
- Findings provide insights for optimizing bioremediation of chlorinated aromatics using bioelectrochemical systems.
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