Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization
Published on: December 29, 2013
Fulvic acid impact on constructed wetland-microbial electrolysis cell system performance: Metagenomic insights
Ming Xu1, Hao-Qiang Chen1, Peng Gao1
1Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
Abstract:
This study explores the roles of fulvic acid (FA) in both a conventionally constructed wetland (CCW) and a newly constructed wetland-microbial electrolysis cell (ECW). The results showed that FA increased the average removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen in ECW by 8.6, 46.2, 33.0, and 27.9 %, respectively, compared to CCW, and reduced the global warming potential by > 60 %. FA promoted the proliferation of electroactive bacteria (e.g., Chlorobaculum and Candidatus Tenderia) and FA-degrading bacteria (e.g., Anaerolineaceae and Gammaproteobacteria) and reduced methanogens (e.g., Methanothrix) via type-changing. The study's findings suggest that FA influences pollutant removal and microbiome dynamics by altering dissolved oxygen levels and redox potential. In summary, FA and ECW enhanced the efficiency of constructed wetlands by facilitating electron transfer and consumption, and supporting microbial growth and metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
Freshwater Microbial Ecology
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Leaching

