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Anode Modification with Fe2O3 Affects the Anode Microbiome and Improves Energy Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells
Dawid Nosek1, Tomasz Mikołajczyk2, Agnieszka Cydzik-Kwiatkowska1
1Department of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna 45 G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|February 11, 2023
Summary
Iron oxide modification of microbial fuel cell (MFC) anodes enhances electricity generation and alters microbial communities. Optimal iron doses improved power output and shifted dominant bacterial species, impacting biofilm formation and metabolic products.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable method for wastewater treatment and energy generation.
- Anode material modification is crucial for optimizing MFC performance and microbial community structure.
- Iron (Fe) compounds are explored for their potential to enhance electrochemical and microbial processes in MFCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) dosages on anode modification in MFCs.
- To analyze the effects of Fe2O3 on microbial community composition, electricity generation, and metabolic byproducts.
- To establish a comprehensive understanding of Fe-mediated anode effects in MFCs using municipal wastewater.
Main Methods:
- MFCs were operated with municipal wastewater, with anodes modified using different Fe2O3 dosages (0.0 to 0.4 g).
- Electricity generation (power density, internal resistance) was monitored.
- Microbial community analysis (16S rRNA sequencing) and analysis of outflow organic acids were performed.
Main Results:
- Fe2O3 doses between 0.05 and 0.2 g significantly improved electricity generation, with 0.10 g yielding the highest power (1.39 mW/m2) and lowest resistance (184.9 Ω).
- Fe-modification altered microbial communities, promoting extracellular polymer producers like Zoogloea sp. and Acidovorax sp., and shifting dominant electrogenic bacteria (e.g., Geobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Dechloromonas sp.).
- While acetate was the influent organic source, propionic and valeric acids predominated in the effluent across all MFCs.
Conclusions:
- Anode modification with Fe2O3 is an effective strategy for enhancing MFC performance and managing microbial consortia.
- Specific Fe2O3 dosages can selectively promote beneficial microbial groups and improve power output.
- This study provides novel insights into the holistic effects of iron anode modification on MFCs treating real wastewater.
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