Microbial Desalination Using Advenella faeciporci ZF1: A Novel Iron-Reducing Bacterium Isolated from Oil Refinery...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Microbiology
• Electrochemistry
• Bioremediation

Background:

• Iron-reducing bacteria play a role in biogeochemical cycles.
• Wastewater treatment and desalination are critical environmental challenges.
• Exoelectrogens offer potential for sustainable energy and environmental applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel iron-reducing bacterium from oil refining sludge.
• To evaluate the electrochemical activity and tolerance of the isolate.
• To assess its performance in a microbial desalination cell for brine treatment and energy generation.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and phylogenetic identification of Advenella faeciporci ZF1.
• Characterization using FTIR, PHB accumulation, and magnetotactic behavior analysis.
• Integration into a microbial desalination cell (MDC) for performance evaluation.

Main Results:

• Advenella faeciporci ZF1 exhibited high tolerance to FeCl3 (20 g/L) and electrochemical activity.
• The MDC system achieved significant removal efficiencies for sodium (70.6%), calcium (78.6%), and chloride (27.5%) in refinery brine.
• A maximum voltage of 410 mV, peak power density of 92 mW/m², and current density of 1.80 A/m² were recorded.

Conclusions:

• Advenella faeciporci ZF1 is a robust exoelectrogen with potential for desalination.
• The bacterium is suitable for bioremediation of metal-rich wastewater.
• This study highlights a sustainable approach for tackling water scarcity and pollution.