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Efficient enriching high-performance denitrifiers using bio-cathode of microbial fuel cells
Ruitao Li1, Xiang-Peng Ren1, Xinxin Fan1
1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, No. 22 Xinong Road, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China.
Abstract:
Recent advancements in microbial fuel cells (MFC) technology have significantly contributed to the development of bio-cathode denitrification as a promising method for eco-friendly wastewater treatment. This study utilized an efficient repeated replacement method to enrich a mixed bio-cathode denitrifying culture (MBD) within a bio-cathode MFC, achieving a stable maximum output voltage of 120 ± 5 mV and a NO3 --N removal efficiency of 69.99 ± 0.60%. The electrotrophic denitrification process appears to be facilitated by electron shuttles. Microbial community analysis revealed a predominance of Proteobacteria, with Paracoccus and Pseudomonas as functional genera. Additionally, the isolated strain Lyy (belonging to Stutzerimonas) from MBD demonstrated exceptional denitrification efficiencies exceeding 98% when treating wastewater with a broad range of C/N (2-12) ratios and KNO3 concentrations (500-3000 mg/L) within 60 h. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of the repeated replacement method in enriching bio-cathode denitrifiers and advancing MFC application in sustainable wastewater management.
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