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A novel single chamber vertical baffle flow biocathode microbial electrochemical system with microbial separator
Shujuan Liu1, Yujie Feng1, Jiaojiao Niu1
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Academy of Ecology and Environment, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China.
Bioresource Technology
|October 15, 2019
Summary
A novel microbial electrochemical system (MES) effectively treats wastewater, achieving high COD removal and low sludge yield. Biocathode performance and power generation depend on supporting matrix permeability, influencing the bio-community.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microbial electrochemical systems (MES) offer a promising approach for sustainable wastewater treatment.
- Optimizing MES design is crucial for enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
- Understanding the role of internal components like microbial separators and supporting matrices is key to performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a single-chamber vertical baffle flow biocathode MES for wastewater treatment.
- To investigate the impact of supporting matrix permeability on MES performance, including COD removal and power generation.
- To analyze the influence of matrix permeability on the biocathode and anode bio-community.
Main Methods:
- A 10-liter single-chamber vertical baffle flow biocathode MES was constructed with a microbial separator.
- The system's performance was assessed based on Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency and sludge yield.
- Power density was measured, and the effects of different supporting matrix configurations (S2P1) were evaluated.
- Bio-community analysis was conducted to understand microbial changes related to matrix permeability.
Main Results:
- The MES achieved a COD removal of 86 ± 2% with an effluent COD <50 mg L⁻¹.
- A low sludge yield rate of 0.05 ± 0.02 g-sludge g⁻¹-COD was observed.
- Maximum power density reached 67.5 ± 7.8 mW m⁻², with S2P1 configuration showing optimal results.
- Supporting matrix permeability significantly influenced biocathode performance and anode stability, affecting the bio-community.
Conclusions:
- The designed MES demonstrates high efficiency in wastewater treatment with reduced sludge production.
- Supporting matrix permeability is a critical factor for optimizing both wastewater treatment and bioenergy production in MES.
- Further research into matrix properties can lead to improved MES designs for enhanced performance and stability.
