Microbial fuel cell-powered electrosorption coupled system for tetracycline removal and antibiotic resistance genes...

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising for antibiotic wastewater treatment because their ability to simultaneously remove pollutants and generate electricity. However, high antibiotic concentrations can inhibit electricity generation and pollutant removal while promoting the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). A three-chamber electrosorption-microbial fuel cell (ES-MFC) coupled system was developed for tetracycline (TC) removal and ARGs mitigation, in which the ES unit was directly powered by the MFC unit. The MFC-driven ES process enhanced TC accumulation on the electrode surface and strengthened interfacial chemical interactions. Meanwhile, the ES pre-treatment effectively maintained the abundance and activity of electroactive microorganisms, preserving the anodic electron transfer capacity. The ES-MFC exhibited stable electricity generation with a maximum power density of 2.56 W/m³ and achieved efficient TC removal (98.24%), while significantly reducing the abundance of seven ARGs. This study provides a technical basis for efficient, low-energy treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater and mitigation of ARGs dissemination.