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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Electrostimulation enhances nitrate removal and mitigates nitrite accumulation from denitrification-induced
Yulong Wang1, Daxin Sun1, Yongheng Zhan1
1School of Water Resources and Environment, MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environmental Evolution, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
Electrical stimulation in a cotton-based biofilm electrode reactor (CBER) effectively reduces groundwater nitrate contamination by enhancing denitrification and suppressing nitrite accumulation. This method optimizes nitrogen removal and microbial function.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Groundwater nitrate contamination is a global issue.
- Self-alkalization during denitrification leads to nitrite accumulation, hindering nitrogen removal.
- Biofilm electrode reactors offer potential for nitrogen removal but face challenges with pH control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of electrical stimulation on denitrification performance in a cotton-based biofilm electrode reactor (CBER).
- To assess the effects of electrical stimulation on microbial enzyme activity and community structure.
- To understand the mechanism by which electrical stimulation mitigates self-alkalization and nitrite accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Construction and operation of a cotton-based biofilm electrode reactor (CBER).
- Application of varying electrical stimulation current densities (0-300 mA/m²).
- Measurement of nitrate and nitrite concentrations, system pH, enzyme activities (nitrate and nitrite reductases), and microbial community composition (16S rRNA sequencing).
Main Results:
- Electrical stimulation at 100 mA/m² increased the nitrate removal rate by 21.4% and decreased nitrite accumulation by 99.2%.
- Moderate electrical stimulation (100 mA/m²) enhanced nitrate and nitrite reductase activities, while high current density (300 mA/m²) induced oxidative stress.
- Electrical stimulation increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and the functional genus Pseudomonas, shifting the microbial community towards nitrogen removal.
Conclusions:
- Electrical stimulation is an effective strategy to suppress self-alkalization and nitrite accumulation in CBER systems.
- The mechanism involves enhanced enzyme activity and a shift in microbial community structure favoring denitrification.
- Findings offer insights for optimizing bioelectrochemical systems for efficient nitrogen removal from contaminated groundwater.
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