Effect of different acclimation methods on the performance of microbial fuel cells using phenol as substrate

Abstract

Single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with air-cathode were constructed. MFCs were fed different feedstocks during their inoculation, their role on phenol degradation and MFC performance were investigated. The results showed that the MFC inoculated using glucose exhibited the highest power density (31.3 mW m(-2)) when phenol was used as the sole substrate for MFC. The corresponding biodegradation kinetic constant was obtained at 0.035 h(-1), at an initial phenol concentration of 600 mg L(-1). Moreover, the phenol degradation rates in this MFC with closed circuit were 9.8-16.5% higher than those in MFC with opened circuit. The cyclic voltammograms revealed a different electrochemical activity of the anode biofilms in the MFC, and this led to differences in performance of the MFCs with phenol as sole substrate. These results demonstrated that phenol degradation and power production are affected by current generation and type of acclimation.

Simultaneous Removal of Phenol and Dissolved Solids from Wastewater Using Multichambered Microbial Desalination Cell

“…The highest power density observed in MDC-2, indicates better electron recovery of mixture of pure culture and anaerobic sludge inoculum through oxidation of phenol-glucose mixture. The power density observed in MDC-2 (27.5 mW/m 2 ) was comparable with the power generated in MFC (31.3 mW/m 2 ) fed with only glucose, and higher than the same MFC fed with phenol as sole substrate (16.5 mW/m 2 ) as reported by Song et al [1]. The improved electricity and power generation along with low internal resistance of MDC-2, than MDC-1 and MDC-3, indicates significant role of mixture of pure culture of P. aeruginosa and mixed anaerobic sludge for complex substrate degradation.…”

“…The lowest COD removal efficiency was observed in MDC-3 with only anaerobic sludge used as inoculum. It has been reported that higher phenol concentration (>400 mg/L) in substrate reduced the COD removal rate [1]. Due to the toxicity of phenol, it can inhibit the bacterial growth as well as reduce removal rate of COD.…”

“…Phenols, one of such harmful pollutants, have been found in the effluents from industries such as coke oven process of steel plant, olive mill biorefinery, oil refineries, pharmaceuticals, production of pesticides, petrochemicals, plastics, leather, and fertilizers [1,2]. Additionally, phenol mixed with organic and inorganic matter highly pollutes the receiving stream.…”

“…Additionally, phenol mixed with organic and inorganic matter highly pollutes the receiving stream. Phenol concentration of more than 400 mg/L adversely affects organic matter removal efficiency in wastewater treatment [1]. Phenol from wastewater has been successfully removed by various conventional methods such as ion exchange, solvent extraction, chemical oxidation, adsorption, and incineration.…”

Simultaneous degradation of tetracycline by a microbial fuel cell and its toxicity evaluation by zebrafish

“…20,21 Therefore, MFC can degrade a wide range of organic substrates, ranging from easily degradable organics 22,23 to bio-refractory organics. 24,25 Recently, some articles focused on assessing the ability of MFC to improve TC removal. 26,27 However, its degradation products might be more toxic than the parent compounds during the degradation of antibiotics.…”