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Published on: June 15, 2014
Sustainable Cr(VI) reduction in a membrane-less TPBC-MFC driven by solid watermelon rind
Yunlong Yang1, Jinkui Zhang2, Sijia Dong2
1College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China; National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
This study demonstrates a sustainable microbial fuel cell (MFC) using watermelon rind to remove over 97% of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The system also generated electricity and reduced effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Electrochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a toxic pollutant, and its reduction using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) faces challenges like electrode passivation and limited electron donors.
- Sustainable electron donors are crucial for efficient and long-term Cr(VI) reduction in MFC systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term performance of a membrane-less TPBC-MFC for Cr(VI) reduction using solid watermelon rind (SWMR) as an electron donor.
- To evaluate the efficiency of Cr(VI) removal, voltage generation, and effluent quality.
- To analyze the microbial community structure and the mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction.
Main Methods:
- A three-phase boundary (TPBC) microbial fuel cell (MFC) without a membrane was operated for over three months.
- Solid watermelon rind (SWMR) was used as the electron donor.
- SEM-EDS, XPS, XRD, FT-IR, and microbial community structure analysis were employed to characterize the system and products.
Main Results:
- Achieved an average Cr(VI) removal efficiency (RE) of 97% and maintained effluent COD at 80 mg/L.
- Generated a stable voltage output of 130 mV during long-term operation.
- Identified Cr(OH)3 as the main cathodic reduction product and observed periodic biofilm detachment to prevent electrode passivation.
Conclusions:
- The TPBC-MFC system effectively utilizes SWMR for sustainable Cr(VI) reduction, electricity generation, and waste valorization.
- The system demonstrates a promising approach for simultaneous wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and energy production.
- Biofilm dynamics, particularly periodic detachment, play a key role in maintaining long-term MFC performance.
