Coupling dalapon biodegradation with electricity generation in microbial fuel cells
Yagiz Sarioglu1, Dilek Sever Kaya2, Halil Kurt3
1Istanbul Protein Research-Application and Innovation Center (PROMER), Uskudar University 34662 Uskudar, Istanbul, Türkiye; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Bioresource Technology
|February 1, 2026
Summary
This study shows that the Antarctic bacterium Psychrobacter sp. TaeBurcu001 can degrade the persistent herbicide dalapon and generate electricity in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This breakthrough offers a novel approach for bioremediation of contaminated aquatic environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Bioremediation
- Bioelectrochemistry
Background:
- Dalapon is a persistent halogenated herbicide found in aquatic environments.
- Its bioelectrochemical degradation has not been previously demonstrated.
- Effective treatment methods for recalcitrant organic contaminants are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bioelectrochemical degradation of dalapon using microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
- To assess the potential of a specific Antarctic bacterial isolate for simultaneous dalapon removal and electricity generation.
- To elucidate the microbial community dynamics and enzymatic mechanisms involved.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single-chamber microbial fuel cells inoculated with Psychrobacter sp. TaeBurcu001.
- Performed dalapon degradation analysis using LC-MS/MS.
- Conducted microbial community analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Employed molecular docking and dynamics simulations to study enzyme-ligand interactions.
Main Results:
- Co-inoculation with Psychrobacter sp. TaeBurcu001 enabled electricity generation (0.1-0.21 V) and over 90% dalapon removal.
- Mixed cultures alone did not effectively degrade dalapon.
- LC-MS/MS confirmed substantial dalapon degradation.
- Microbial analysis revealed enrichment of electrogenic and xenobiotic-degrading bacteria.
- Simulations suggested L-2-haloacid dehalogenase involvement in dehalogenation.
Conclusions:
- Psychrobacter sp. TaeBurcu001 enhances MFC performance for dalapon degradation and electricity generation.
- This approach shows potential for bioremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with persistent herbicides.
- Specialized bacteria can improve the functionality of MFCs for treating recalcitrant organic pollutants.
Related Concept Videos
03:12Batteries and Fuel Cells
31.0K
A battery is a galvanic cell that is used as a source of electrical power for specific applications. Modern batteries exist in a multitude of forms to accommodate various applications, from tiny button batteries such as those that power wristwatches to the very large batteries used to supply backup energy to municipal power grids. Some batteries are designed for single-use applications and cannot be recharged (primary cells), while others are based on conveniently reversible cell reactions that...
31.0K
01:25Electric Generator: Alternator
3.4K
Electric generators induce an emf by rotating a coil in a magnetic field. A simple alternator is an AC generator that creates electrical energy that varies sinusoidally with time. A simple alternator consists of a conducting loop that is placed inside a uniform magnetic field. The loop is connected to split rings connected to the external circuit with the help of brushes.
The magnetic flux passing through the coil varies sinusoidally as the loop rotates inside the magnetic field. This...
The magnetic flux passing through the coil varies sinusoidally as the loop rotates inside the magnetic field. This...
3.4K
01:20Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
1.7K
Two NMR-active nuclei bonded to a central atom can be involved in geminal or two-bond coupling. Geminal coupling is commonly seen between diastereotopic protons in chiral molecules and unsymmetrical alkenes, among others.
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
1.7K
01:22Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
1.5K
Vicinal or three-bond coupling is commonly observed between protons attached to adjacent carbons. Here, nuclear spin information is primarily transferred via electron spin interactions between adjacent C‑H bond orbitals. This generally favors the antiparallel arrangement of spins, so 3J values are usually positive.
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
1.5K
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
132.0K
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
132.0K
01:17Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
1.5K
Coupling interactions are strongest between NMR-active nuclei bonded to each other, where spin information can be transmitted directly through the pair of bonding electrons. While nuclei polarize their electrons to the opposite spins, the bonding electron pair has opposite spins. Configurations with antiparallel nuclear spins are expected to be lower in energy. When coupling makes antiparallel states more favorable, J is considered to have a positive value. The one-bond coupling constant, 1J,...
1.5K