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Bioelectricity generation using long-term operated biocathode: RFLP based microbial diversity analysis
S V Ramanaiah1,2, Cristina M Cordas3, Sara C Matias1
1iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, Lisboa, 1049-001 Portugal.
Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 17, 2021
Summary
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with biocathodes demonstrate superior power generation and substrate removal efficiencies compared to abiotic cathode MFCs over 220 days. Biocathode MFCs achieved 94% substrate removal and higher current densities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment and energy generation.
- Long-term performance evaluation of MFCs with different cathode types is crucial for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the power generation and substrate removal efficiencies of MFCs with biocathodes versus abiotic cathodes over an extended period.
- To analyze the microbial communities present in both types of MFCs.
Main Methods:
- Long-term operation (220 days) of MFCs with abiotic and biocathodes.
- Performance monitoring of power density, current density, coulombic efficiency, and substrate removal.
- Voltammetric analysis for electron discharge assessment.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) for microbial community analysis.
Main Results:
- Biocathode MFCs exhibited significantly higher power density (54 mW/m²), current density (122 mA/m²), coulombic efficiency (33%), and substrate removal (94%) than abiotic cathode MFCs.
- Voltammetric analysis confirmed superior and sustainable electron discharge in biocathode MFCs.
- Both MFC types showed a cell voltage drop after 150-165 days, indicating long-term operational challenges.
- Distinct bacterial communities were identified: Acinetobacter, Acidovorax, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia in abiotic MFCs; Geobacter, Cupriavidus, and Acidobacteria in biocathode MFCs.
- Similar archaeal communities (Methanosarcinales, Methanolinea, Nitrososphaera, Methanomicrobiales) were found in both MFC types.
Conclusions:
- Biocathodes significantly enhance the performance of MFCs for power generation and wastewater treatment compared to abiotic cathodes.
- The distinct microbial communities in biocathode MFCs are key to their improved efficiency.
- Long-term stability requires further investigation to overcome cell voltage drops.
