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Wang S, Gariepy Y, Adekunle A, Raghavan V. Effective and Economical 3D Carbon Sponge with Carbon Nanoparticles as Floating Air Cathode for Sustainable Electricity Production in Microbial Fuel Cells. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:1820-1839. [PMID: 37440114 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The effective and economical 3D floating air cathodes were fabricated by a simple dipping-drying method with carbon black (CB), ethanol, and PTFE solution. Pristine Type I polyurethane sponge (5 pores/mm) and Pristine Type II polyurethane sponge (3 pores/mm) were used as the support. The deposition of CB on the Pristine Type I and Pristine Type II materials was detected by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The carbon loss rate test exhibited good CB adhesive stability on both floating air cathodes. Besides, Type I/CB floating air cathode displayed 3.7 times higher tensile strength, 10.58 times higher elongation at break, and 3.3 times lower cost than carbon felt. The electricity production ability of carbon cloth (CC) anode with carbon felt, Type I/CB, and Type II/CB cathode MFCs (CC-CF-MFC, CC-I-MFC, and CC-II-MFC) was evaluated. After 130 days, the CC-I-MFC showed a maximum power density (PD) of 92.58 mW/m3, which was 4.6 times higher than the CC-CF-MFC. Compared with Type II/CB, Type I/CB cathode improved the maximum power density by 160% due to the smaller pores, rougher surface, and higher surface wettability. Further, CC-I-MFC exhibited the best overall oxidation-reduction performance and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency. Consequently, Type I/CB floating air cathode opens a new opportunity for scaling up simple, inexpensive, and high-performance MFCs for energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Wang
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Yvan Gariepy
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Ademola Adekunle
- National Research Council of Canada, 6100 Avenue Royalmount, Montréal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Vijaya Raghavan
- Bioresource Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
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Barakat NAM, Gamal S, Ghouri ZK, Fadali OA, Abdelraheem OH, Hashem M, Moustafa HM. Graphitized mango seed as an effective 3D anode in batch and continuous mode microbial fuel cells for sustainable wastewater treatment and power generation. RSC Adv 2024; 14:3163-3177. [PMID: 38249675 PMCID: PMC10797328 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra05084j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein, we explored the utilization of graphitized mango seeds as 3D-packed anodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) powered by sewage wastewater. Mango seeds were graphitized at different temperatures (800 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C) and their effectiveness as anodes was evaluated. Surface morphology analysis indicated that the proposed anode was characterized by layered branches and micro-sized deep holes, facilitating enhanced biofilm formation and microorganism attachment. Maximum power densities achieved in the MFCs utilizing the mango seed-packed anodes graphitized at 1100 °C and 1000 °C were 2170.8 ± 90 and 1350.6 ± 125 mW m-2, respectively. Furthermore, the weight of the graphitized seed anode demonstrated a positive correlation with the generated power density and cell potential. Specifically, MFCs fabricated with 9 g and 6 g anodes achieved maximum power densities of 2170.8 ± 90 and 1800.5 ± 40 mW m-2, respectively. A continuous mode air cathode MFC employing the proposed graphitized mango anode prepared at 1100 °C and operated at a flow rate of 2 L h-1 generated a stable current density of approximately 12 A m-2 after 15 hours of operation, maintaining its stability for 75 hours. Furthermore, a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 85% was achieved in an assembled continuous mode MFC. Considering that the proposed MFC was driven by sewage wastewater without the addition of external microorganisms, atmospheric oxygen was used as the electron acceptor through an air cathode mode, agricultural biomass waste was employed for the preparation of the anode, and a higher power density was achieved (2170.8 mW m-2) compared to reported values; it is evident that the proposed graphitized mango seed anode exhibits high efficiency for application in MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser A M Barakat
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University El-Minia 61516 Egypt +20862364420 +20862348005
| | - Shimaa Gamal
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University El-Minia 61516 Egypt +20862364420 +20862348005
| | - Zafar Khan Ghouri
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University UK
| | - Olfat A Fadali
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University El-Minia 61516 Egypt +20862364420 +20862348005
| | - Omnia H Abdelraheem
- Sciences Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Beni-Suef University Beni-Suef 62511 Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hashem
- Dental Health Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University Riyadh 11433 Saudi Arabia
| | - Hager M Moustafa
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University El-Minia 61516 Egypt +20862364420 +20862348005
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Godain A, Vogel TM, Fongarland P, Haddour N. Influence of shear stress on electroactive biofilm characteristics and performance in microbial fuel cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 244:115806. [PMID: 37944355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This study has provided comprehensive insights into the intricate relationship between shear stress and the development, structure, and functionality of electroactive biofilms in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). A multichannel microfluidic MFC reactors that created specific shear stress on the anode, were designed for the simultaneous study of multiple flow conditions using the same medium. Then, the evolution of the biofilm growth under different shear stress conditions (1, 5 and 10 mPa) were compared. The taxonomic and functional structure was studied by 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing and the physical biofilm characteristics were measured via fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrate the pivotal role of shear stress in influencing the growth kinetics, electrical performance, and physical structure of anodic biofilms. Notably, the selection of specific EAB was observed to be shear stress-dependent, with a marked increase in specific EAB abundance as shear stress increased. The power density, while not directly correlated with the relative abundance of specific or nonspecific EAB, exhibited a strong linear relationship with biofilm coverage. This suggests that factors beyond the microbial composition, potentially including mass transport or electrochemical conditions, might be instrumental in determining electricity production. The functional metagenomic analysis further highlighted the complexities of extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanisms in electroactive biofilm. While certain genes associated with EET in known species such as Geobacter and Shewanella were identified, the study also examined the limitations of solely relying on genetic markers to infer EET capabilities, emphasizing the need for complementary metaproteomic analyses. This study demonstrates the multifaceted impact of shear stress on electroactive biofilm and paves the way for future investigations aimed at harnessing the potential of electroactive biofilms in microbial fuel cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexiane Godain
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130, Ecully, France; Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Timothy M Vogel
- Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Pascal Fongarland
- CPE-Lyon, CP2M, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5128, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, CEDEX, 69616, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130, Ecully, France.
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Zhou Z, Liu X, Chen R, Hu X, Guo Q. Treatment of phenolic wastewater by anaerobic fluidized bed microbial fuel cell using carbon brush as anode: microbial community analysis and m-cresol degradation mechanism. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2023; 46:1801-1815. [PMID: 37878182 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-023-02936-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic fluidized bed microbial fuel cell (AFB-MFC) is a technology that combines fluidized bed reactor and microbial fuel cell to treat organic wastewater and generate electricity. The performance and the mechanism of treating m-cresol wastewater in AFB-MFC using carbon brush as biofilm anode were studied. After 48 h of operation, the m-cresol removal efficiency of AFB-MFC, MAR-AFB (fluidized bed bioreactor with acclimated anaerobic sludge), MAR-FB (ordinary fluidized bed reactor with only macroporous adsorptive resin) and AST (traditional anaerobic sludge treatment) were 95.29 ± 0.67%, 85.78 ± 1.81%, 71.24 ± 1.86% and 70.41 ± 0.32% respectively. The maximum output voltage and the maximum power density of AFB-MFC using carbon brush as biofilm anode were 679.7 mV and 166.6 mW/m2 respectively. The results of high-throughput sequencing analysis indicated the relative abundance of dominant electroactive bacteria, such as Trichococcus, Geobacter, and Pseudomonas, on the anode carbon brushes was higher than that of AST, and also identified such superior m-cresol-degrading bacteria as Bdellovibrio, Thermomonas, Hydrogenophaga, etc. Based on the determination of m-cresol metabolites detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), the possible biodegradation pathway of m-cresol under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in AFB-MFC was speculated. The results showed that m-cresol was decomposed into formic acid-acetic anhydride and 3-methylpropionic acid under the action of electrochemistry, which is a simple degradation pathway without peripheral metabolism in AFB-MFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xinmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
| | - Ranran Chen
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xiude Hu
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Qingjie Guo
- State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
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Ghanam A, Cecillon S, Sabac A, Mohammadi H, Amine A, Buret F, Haddour N. Untreated vs. Treated Carbon Felt Anodes: Impacts on Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2142. [PMID: 38138311 PMCID: PMC10744851 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This research sought to enhance the efficiency and biocompatibility of anodes in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), with an aim toward large-scale, real-world applications. The study focused on the effects of acid-heat treatment and chemical modification of three-dimensional porous pristine carbon felt (CF) on power generation. Different treatments were applied to the pristine CF, including coating with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) dispersed using dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant and biopolymer chitosan (CS). These processes were expected to improve the hydrophilicity, reduce the internal resistance, and increase the electrochemically active surface area of CF anodes. A high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) analysis confirmed successful CNF coating. An electrochemical analysis showed improved conductivity and charge transfer toward [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- redox probe with treated anodes. When used in an air cathode single-chamber MFC system, the untreated CF facilitated quicker electroactive biofilm growth and reached a maximum power output density of 3.4 W m-2, with an open-circuit potential of 550 mV. Despite a reduction in charge transfer resistance (Rct) with the treated CF anodes, the power densities remained unchanged. These results suggest that untreated CF anodes could be most promising for enhancing power output in BESs, offering a cost-effective solution for large-scale MFC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelghani Ghanam
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco (A.A.)
| | - Sebastien Cecillon
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| | - Andrei Sabac
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| | - Hasna Mohammadi
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco (A.A.)
| | - Aziz Amine
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco (A.A.)
| | - François Buret
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France (F.B.)
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Godain A, Vogel TM, Monnier JM, Paitier A, Haddour N. Metaproteomic and Metagenomic-Coupled Approach to Investigate Microbial Response to Electrochemical Conditions in Microbial Fuel Cells. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2695. [PMID: 38004707 PMCID: PMC10673480 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
MFCs represent a promising sustainable biotechnology that enables the direct conversion of organic matter from wastewater into electricity using bacterial biofilms as biocatalysts. A crucial aspect of MFCs is how electroactive bacteria (EAB) behave and their associated mechanisms during extracellular electron transfer to the anode. A critical phase in the MFC start-up process is the initial colonization of the anode by EAB. Two MFCs were operated with an external resistance of 1000 ohms, one with an applied electrical voltage of 500 mV during the initial four days of biofilm formation and the other without any additional applied voltage. After stabilization of electricity production, total DNA and protein were extracted and sequenced from both setups. The combined metaproteomic/metagenomic analysis revealed that the application of voltage during the colonization step predominantly increased direct electron transfer via cytochrome c, mediated primarily by Geobacter sp. Conversely, the absence of applied voltage during colonization resulted in a broader diversity of bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Aeromonas, which participated in electricity production via mediated electron transfer involving flavin family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexiane Godain
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Timothy M. Vogel
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Monnier
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Agathe Paitier
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAE 1418, VetAgro Sup, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, University Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France
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Ghanam A, Cecillon S, Mohammadi H, Amine A, Buret F, Haddour N. Selective Sensing in Microbial Fuel Cell Biosensors: Insights from Toxicity-Adapted and Non-Adapted Biofilms for Pb(II) and Neomycin Sulfate Detection. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2027. [PMID: 38004884 PMCID: PMC10673119 DOI: 10.3390/mi14112027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
This study introduces the utilization of self-powered microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensors for the detection of biotoxicity in wastewater. Current MFC-based biosensors lack specificity in distinguishing between different pollutants. To address this limitation, a novel approach is introduced, capitalizing on the adaptive capabilities of anodic biofilms. By acclimating these biofilms to specific pollutants, an enhancement in the selectivity of MFC biosensors is achieved. Notably, electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) were cultivated on 3D porous carbon felt with and without a model toxicant (target analyte), resulting in the development of toxicant-resistant anodic biofilms. The model toxicants, Pb2+ ions and the antibiotic neomycin sulfate (NS), were deployed at a concentration of 1 mg L-1 during MFC operation. The influence of toxicity on biofilm growth and power production was investigated through polarization and power density curves. Concurrently, the electrochemical activity of both non-adapted and toxicity-adapted biofilms was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. Upon maturation and attainment of peak powers, the MFC reactors were evaluated individually as self-powered biosensors for pollutant detection in fresh wastewater, employing the external resistor (ER) mode. The selected ER, corresponding to the maximum power output, was positioned between the cathode and anode of each MFC, enabling output signal tracking through a data logging system. Subsequent exposure of mature biofilm-based MFC biosensors to various concentrations of the targeted toxicants revealed that non-adapted mature biofilms generated similar current-time profiles for both toxicity models, whereas toxicity-adapted biofilms produced distinctive current-time profiles. Accordingly, these results suggested that merely by adapting the anodic biofilm to the targeted toxicity, distinct and identifiable current-time profiles can be created. Furthermore, these toxicity-adapted and non-adapted biofilms can be employed to selectively detect the pollutant via the differential measurement of electrical signals. This differentiation offers a promising avenue for selective pollutant detection. To the best of our current knowledge, this approach, which harnesses the natural adaptability of biofilms for enhanced sensor selectivity, represents a pioneering effort in the realm of MFC-based biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelghani Ghanam
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco; (H.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Sebastien Cecillon
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
| | - Hasna Mohammadi
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco; (H.M.); (A.A.)
| | - Aziz Amine
- Chemical Analysis and Biosensors Group, Laboratory of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Hassan II University of Casablanca, B.P 146, Mohammedia 20000, Morocco; (H.M.); (A.A.)
| | - François Buret
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, UMR5005, 69130 Ecully, France; (A.G.); (F.B.)
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The role of hydroponic microbial fuel cell in the reduction of methane emission from rice plants. Electrochim Acta 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2023.142229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
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Pan QR, Lai BL, Huang LJ, Feng YN, Li N, Liu ZQ. Regulating the Electronic Structure of Cu-N x Active Sites for Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction Catalysis to Improve Microbial Fuel Cell Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:1234-1246. [PMID: 36578164 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The efficient and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is of great significance to boost power generation and pollutant degradation in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Although transition metal-nitrogen-codoped carbon materials are an important class of ORR catalysts, copper-nitrogen-codoped carbon is not considered a suitable MFC cathode catalyst due to the insufficient performance and especially instability. Herein, we report a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous copper, nitrogen, and boron codoped carbon (3DHP Cu-N/B-C) catalyst synthesized by the dual template method. The introduced B atom as an electron donor increases the electron density around the Cu-Nx active site, which significantly promotes the efficiency of the ORR process and stabilizes the active site by preventing demetallization. Thus, the 3DHP Cu-N/B-C catalyst exhibited excellent ORR performance with the half-wave potential of 0.83 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) in a 0.1 M KOH electrolyte and 0.68 V (vs RHE) in a 50 mM PBS electrolyte. Meanwhile, 3DHP Cu-N/B-C had satisfactory stability with 94.16% current retention after 24 h of chronoamperometry test, which is better than that of 20% Pt/C. The MFCs using 3DHP Cu-N/B-C not only showed a maximum power density of up to 760.14 ± 19.03 mW m-2 but also operating durability of more than 50 days. Moreover, the 16S rDNA sequencing results presented that the 3DHP Cu-N/B-C catalyst had a positive effect on the microbial community of the MFC with more anaerobic electroactive bacteria in the anode biofilm and fewer aerobic bacteria in the cathode biofilm. This study provides a new approach for the development of Cu-based ORR electrocatalysts as well as guidance for the rational design of high-performance MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Ren Pan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Bi-Lin Lai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Li-Juan Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Yan-Nan Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Zhao-Qing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou510006, China
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Degradation of Hydroquinone Coupled with Energy Generation through Microbial Fuel Cells Energized by Organic Waste. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has captured the scientific community’s attention in recent years owing to its ability to directly transform organic waste into electricity through electrochemical processes. Currently, MFC systems faces a number of barriers, with one of the most significant being the lack of organic substrate to provide enough energy for bacterial growth and activity. In the current work, rotten rice was utilized as an organic substrate to boost bacterial activity to produce more energy and break down the organic pollutant hydroquinone in an effort to improve the performance of MFCs. There are only a few studies that considered the waste as an organic substrate and simultaneously degraded the organic pollutant vis-à-vis MFCs. The oxidation of glucose derived from rotten rice generated electrons that were transported to the anode surface and subsequently flowed through an external circuit to the cathode, where they were used to degrade the organic pollutant hydroquinone. The results were consistent with the MFC operation, where the 168-mV voltage was generated over the course of 29 days with a 1000 Ω external resistance. The maximum power and current densities were 1.068 mW/m2 and 123.684 mA/m2, respectively. The hydroquinone degradation was of 68%. For the degradation of organic pollutants and the production of energy, conductive pili-type bacteria such as Lacticaseibacillus, Pediococcus acidilactici and Secundilactobacillus silagincola species were identified during biological characterization. Future recommendations and concluding remarks are also included.
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Hu Y, Han X, Shi L, Cao B. Electrochemically active biofilm-enabled biosensors: Current status and opportunities for biofilm engineering. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Fuentes Schweizer P, Cárdenas D, Uribe Lorío L, Sanabria Chinchilla J, Villegas JR, Solís Chacón C. Evaluación del desempeño de una celda de combustible microbiana con electrodo de grafito modificado para el tratamiento de agua residual del procesamiento del café. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE QUÍMICA 2022. [DOI: 10.15446/rev.colomb.quim.v51n1.101185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
La actividad cafetalera en Costa Rica procesa aproximadamente 69.000 toneladas de café mediante la técnica de beneficiado húmedo. Esta actividad conlleva un alto impacto ambiental debido a la generación de 8 L de agua residual/kg de café oro producido. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo utilizar el agua residual del procesamiento de café como sustrato en celdas combustibles microbianas (CCM), con el propósito de generar energía eléctrica a través de su uso y, a la vez, disminuir la carga orgánica del residuo. La CCM empleó un cátodo modificado con ftalocianinas de hierro (FePc), generó una eficiencia coulómbica de 0,7% y una densidad de potencia de 89 μW/cm2 en un ciclo de operación de cinco días. Además, se determinó que la CCM disminuye la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) del residuo hasta en 27% bajo las condiciones de operación nativas del sustrato, a temperatura ambiente, sin mediadores químicos para la reacción anódica y con el uso de electrodos de platino para el cátodo. El estudio confirma la oportunidad de emplear el sustrato con una flora microbiana nativa apta para la operación de la tecnología de la CCM, y así perfilar el dispositivo como una opción novedosa para el tratamiento de este residuo en Costa Rica.
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Deka R, Shreya S, Mourya M, Sirotiya V, Rai A, Khan MJ, Ahirwar A, Schoefs B, Bilal M, Saratale GD, Marchand J, Saratale RG, Varjani S, Vinayak V. A techno-economic approach for eliminating dye pollutants from industrial effluent employing microalgae through microbial fuel cells: Barriers and perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113454. [PMID: 35597291 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells are biochemical factories which besides recycling wastewater are electricity generators, if their low power density can be scaled up. This also adds up to work on many factors responsible to increase the cost of running a microbial fuel cell. As a result, the first step is to use environment friendly dead organic algae biomass or even living algae cells in a microbial fuel cell, also referred to as microalgal microbial fuel cells. This can be a techno-economic aspect not only for treating textile wastewater but also an economical way of obtaining value added products and bioelectricity from microalgae. Besides treating wastewater, microalgae in its either form plays an essential role in treating dyes present in wastewater which essentially include azo dyes rich in synthetic ions and heavy metals. Microalgae require these metals as part of their metabolism and hence consume them throughout the integration process in a microbial fuel cell. In this review a detail plan is laid to discuss the treatment of industrial effluents (rich in toxic dyes) employing microbial fuel cells. Efforts have been made by researchers to treat dyes using microbial fuel cell alone or in combination with catalysts, nanomaterials and microalgae have also been included. This review therefore discusses impact of microbial fuel cells in treating wastewater rich in textile dyes its limitations and future aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Deka
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India
| | - Shristi Shreya
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India
| | - Megha Mourya
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India
| | - Vandana Sirotiya
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India
| | - Anshuman Rai
- MMU, Deemed University, School of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Ambala, Haryana,133203, India
| | - Mohd Jahir Khan
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India
| | - Ankesh Ahirwar
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India
| | - Benoit Schoefs
- Metabolism, Bioengineering of Microalgal Metabolism and Applications (MIMMA), Mer Molecules Santé, Le Mans University, IUML - FR 3473 CNRS, Le Mans, France
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, 223003, China
| | - Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggido, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Justine Marchand
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, 223003, China
| | - Rijuta Ganesh Saratale
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggido, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382010, India.
| | - Vandana Vinayak
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Harisingh Gour Central University, Sagar (MP), 470003, India.
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Barbato M, Palma E, Marzocchi U, Cruz Viggi C, Rossetti S, Aulenta F, Scoma A. Snorkels enhance alkanes respiration at ambient and increased hydrostatic pressure (10 MPa) by either supporting the TCA cycle or limiting alternative routes for acetyl-CoA metabolism. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 316:115244. [PMID: 35598451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The impact of piezosensitive microorganisms is generally underestimated in the ecology of underwater environments exposed to increasing hydrostatic pressure (HP), including the biodegradation of crude oil components. Yet, no isolated pressure-loving (piezophile) microorganism grows optimally on hydrocarbons, and no isolated piezophile at all has a HP optimum <10 MPa (e.g. 1000 m below sea water level). Piezosensitive heterotrophs are thus largely accountable for oil clean up < 10 MPa, however, they are affected by such a mild HP increase in ways which are not completely clear. In a first study, the application of a bioelectrochemical system (called "oil-spill snorkel") enhanced the alkane oxidation capacity in sediments collected at surface water but tested up to 10 MPa. Here, the fingerprint left on transcript abundance was studied to explore which metabolic routes are 1) supported by snorkels application and 2) negatively impacted by HP increase. Transcript abundance was comparable for beta-oxidation across all treatments (also at a taxonomical level), while the metabolism of acetyl-CoA was highly impacted: at either 0.1 or 10 MPa, snorkels supported acetyl-CoA oxidation within the TCA cycle, while in negative controls using non-conductive rods several alternative routes for acetyl-CoA were stimulated (including those leading to internal carbon reserves e.g. 2,3 butanediol and dihydroxyacetone). In general, increased HP had opposite effects as compared to snorkels, thus indicating that snorkels could enhance hydrocarbons oxidation by alleviating in part the stressing effects imposed by increased HP on the anaerobic, respiratory electron transport chain. 16S rRNA gene analysis of sediments and biofilms on snorkels suggest a crosstalk between oil-degrading, sulfate-reducing microorganisms and sulfur oxidizers. In fact, no sulfur was deposited on snorkels, however, iron, aluminum and phosphorous were found to preferentially deposit on snorkels at 10 MPa. This data indicates that a passive BES such as the oil-spill snorkel can mitigate the stress imposed by increased HP on piezosensitive microorganisms (up to 10 MPa) without being subjected to passivation. An improved setup applying these principles can further support this deep-sea bioremediation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barbato
- Engineered Microbial Systems (EMS) Lab, Industrial Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Enza Palma
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Ugo Marzocchi
- Center for Electromicrobiology, Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Center for Water Technology WATEC, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carolina Cruz Viggi
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Federico Aulenta
- Water Research Institute (IRSA), National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo, Italy.
| | - Alberto Scoma
- Engineered Microbial Systems (EMS) Lab, Industrial Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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15
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Cheng P, Shan R, Yuan HR, Tan X, Chen Y, Wu J. Synchronous bio-degradation and bio-electricity generation in a Microbial Fuel Cell with aged and fresh leachate from the identical subtropical area. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 316:115017. [PMID: 35598448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal leachate from both sealed and operating landfill in the identical district were employed as the sole substrate in the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) to evaluate the power output performance and aqueous organic waste disposal. The electrical performance was characterized to study the power generation, while the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal ratio and Coulombic Efficiency (CE) were calculated to illustrate the substrate disposal effect. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) on the operated anode was conducted to preliminarily explain the microbial community difference, and the phylogenetic tree constructed on the cultivated microorganism was an insight into the dominant bacteria suitable for leachate degradation. It was found that the MFCs inoculated with seasonal leachate from both sealed and operating landfill could generate electricity successfully. Although the fresh leachate-inoculated MFCs had better electrical output performance (22.7-25.6 W/m3 versus 6.61-7.48 W/m3) and COD removal efficiency (55.8%∼61.7% versus 47.7%∼51.4%), the CEs were only 4.3%∼7.6%, which were lower than the aged leachate inoculated group (5.9%∼11.3%). Based on the SEM images and the phylogenetic tree of the operated anode, the composition impacts on the microbial community and power output performance were verified, which was instructive for the leachate disposal in the MFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cheng
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Institue of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Rui Shan
- Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Hao-Ran Yuan
- Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
| | - Xiangping Tan
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510650, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Jinchuan Wu
- Institue of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China
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16
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Rafieenia R, Sulonen M, Mahmoud M, El-Gohary F, Rossa CA. Integration of microbial electrochemical systems and photocatalysis for sustainable treatment of organic recalcitrant wastewaters: Main mechanisms, recent advances, and present prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153923. [PMID: 35182645 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) have demonstrated to be an environmentally friendly technology for wastewater treatment and simultaneous production of value-added products or energy. However, practical applications of MESs for the treatment of recalcitrant wastewater are limited by their low power output and slow rates of pollutant biodegradation. As a novel technology, hybrid MESs integrating biodegradation and photocatalysis have shown great potential to accelerate the degradation of bio-recalcitrant pollutants and increase the system output. In this review, we summarize recent advances of photo-assisted MESs for enhanced removal of recalcitrant pollutants, and present further discussion about the synergistic effect of biodegradation and photocatalysis. In addition, we analyse in detail different set-up configurations, discuss mechanisms of photo-enhanced extracellular electron transfer, and briefly present ongoing research cases. Finally, we highlight the current limitations and corresponding research gaps, and propose insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Rafieenia
- Department of Microbial Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
| | - Mira Sulonen
- Department of Microbial Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Mahmoud
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo 12311, Egypt
| | - Fatma El-Gohary
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo 12311, Egypt
| | - Claudio Avignone Rossa
- Department of Microbial Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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Bataillou G, Lee C, Monnier V, Gerges T, Sabac A, Vollaire C, Haddour N. Cedar Wood-Based Biochar: Properties, Characterization, and Applications as Anodes in Microbial Fuel Cell. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:4169-4186. [PMID: 35666383 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-03997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the relationship between pyrolysis temperature of woody biomass and physicochemical properties of derived biochar was investigated for microbial fuel cell (MFC) application. Physical and chemical properties of biochar were characterized for different pyrolysis temperatures. Results showed that biochar obtained at 400 °C was not conductor, while biochars prepared at 600 °C, 700 °C, and 900 °C exhibited decreased electrical resistivity of (7 ± 6) × 103 Ω.m, (1.8 ± 0.2) Ω.m, and (16 ± 3) × 10-3 Ω.m, respectively. Rising pyrolysis temperature from 400 to 700 °C exhibited honeycomb-like macroporous structures of biochar with an increase in the specific surface area from 310 to 484 m2.g-1. However, the production of biochar at 900 °C reduced its specific surface area to 136 m2.g-1 and caused the loss of the ordered honeycomb structure. MFCs using anodes based on biochar prepared at 900 °C produced maximum power densities ((9.9 ± 0.6) mW.m-2) higher than that obtained with biochar pyrolyzed at 700 °C ((5.8 ± 0.1) mW.m-2) and with conventional carbon felt anodes ((1.9 ± 0.2) mW.m-2). SEM images of biochar-based anodes indicated the clogging of macropores in honeycomb structure of biochar prepared at 700 °C by growth of electroactive biofilms, which might impede the supply of substrate and the removal of metabolites from the inside of the electrode. These findings highlight that electrical conductivity of biochar is the major parameter for ensuring efficient anodes in microbial fuel cell application. Schematic representation of cedar wood-based biochar and its application as anode in MFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Bataillou
- UMR5005, Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Carine Lee
- UMR5005, Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Virginie Monnier
- UMR5270, Univ Lyon, ECL, INSA Lyon, CNRS, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Tony Gerges
- UMR5005, Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Andrei Sabac
- UMR5005, Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Christian Vollaire
- UMR5005, Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, 69130, Ecully, France
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- UMR5005, Univ Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Ampère, 69130, Ecully, France.
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Paitier A, Haddour N, Gondran C, Vogel TM. Effect of Contact Area and Shape of Anode Current Collectors on Bacterial Community Structure in Microbial Fuel Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072245. [PMID: 35408642 PMCID: PMC9000358 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Low electrical conductivity of carbon materials is a source of potential loss for large carbonaceous electrode surfaces of MFCs due to the long distance traveled by electrons to the collector. In this paper, different configurations of titanium current collectors were used to connect large surfaces of carbon cloth anodes. The current collectors had different distances and contact areas to the anode. For the same anode surface (490 cm2), increasing the contact area from 28 cm2 to 70 cm2 enhanced power output from 58 mW·m-2 to 107 mW·m-2. For the same contact area (28 cm2), decreasing the maximal distance of current collectors to anodes from 16.5 cm to 7.75 cm slightly increased power output from 50 mW·m-2 to 58 mW·m-2. Molecular biology characterization (qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing) of anodic bacterial communities indicated that the Geobacter number was not correlated with power. Moreover, Geobacter and Desulfuromonas abundance increased with the drop in potential on the anode and with the presence of fermentative microorganisms. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that biofilm resistance decreased with the abundance of electroactive bacteria. All these results showed that the electrical gradient arising from collectors shapes microbial communities. Consequently, current collectors influence the performance of carbon-based anodes for full-scale MFC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Paitier
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France;
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, CEDEX, 69616 Villeurbanne, France;
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-4-72-18-61-12
| | - Chantal Gondran
- DCM, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Timothy M. Vogel
- Environmental Microbial Genomics, Laboratoire Ampère, Université de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5005, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, CEDEX, 69616 Villeurbanne, France;
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Zheng X, Hou S, Amanze C, Zeng Z, Zeng W. Enhancing microbial fuel cell performance using anode modified with Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2022; 45:877-890. [PMID: 35166901 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Low electricity generation efficiency is one of the key issues that must be addressed for the practical application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Modification of microbial electrode materials is an effective method to enhance electron transfer. In this study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation were added to anode chambers in different doses to explore its effect on the performance of MFCs. The maximum power density of the MFCs doped with 4.5 g/L Fe3O4 (391.11 ± 9.4 mW/m2) was significantly increased compared to that of the undoped MFCs (255.15 ± 24.8 mW/m2). The COD removal efficiency of the MFCs increased from 85.8 ± 2.8% to 95.0 ± 2.1%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry tests revealed that the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles enhanced the biocatalytic activity of the anode. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that 4.5 g/L Fe3O4 modified anodes enriched the exoelectrogen Geobacter (31.5%), while control MFCs had less Geobacter (17.4%). Magnetite is widely distributed worldwide, which provides an inexpensive means to improve the electrochemical performance of MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Zheng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Shanshan Hou
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Charles Amanze
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Zichao Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Weimin Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China.
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Bacterial Competition for the Anode Colonization under Different External Resistances in Microbial Fuel Cells. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of external resistance (Rext) on the dynamic evolution of microbial communities in anodic biofilms of single-chamber microbial fuel cells fueled with acetate and inoculated with municipal wastewater. Anodic biofilms developed under different Rext (0, 330 and 1000 ohms, and open circuit condition) were characterized as a function of time during two weeks of growth using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and fluorescence microscopy. The results showed a drastic difference in power output of MFCs operated with an open circuit and those operated with Rext from 0 to 1000 ohms. Two steps during the bacterial community development of the anodic biofilms were identified. During the first four days, nonspecific electroactive bacteria (non-specific EAB), dominated by Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Comamonas, grew fast whatever the value of Rext. During the second step, specific EAB, dominated by Geobacter and Desulfuromonas, took over and increased over time, except in open circuit MFCs. The relative abundance of specific EAB decreased with increasing Rext. In addition, the richness and diversity of the microbial community in the anodic biofilms decreased with decreasing Rext. These results help one to understand the bacterial competition during biofilm formation and suggest that an inhibition of the attachment of non-specific electroactive bacteria to the anode surface during the first step of biofilm formation should improve electricity production.
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21
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Bensalah F, Pézard J, Haddour N, Erouel M, Buret F, Khirouni K. Carbon Nano-Fiber/PDMS Composite Used as Corrosion-Resistant Coating for Copper Anodes in Microbial Fuel Cells. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:3144. [PMID: 34835905 PMCID: PMC8622003 DOI: 10.3390/nano11113144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development of high-performance anode materials is one of the greatest challenges for the practical implementation of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology. Copper (Cu) has a much higher electrical conductivity than carbon-based materials usually used as anodes in MFCs. However, it is an unsuitable anode material, in raw state, for MFC application due to its corrosion and its toxicity to microorganisms. In this paper, we report the development of a Cu anode material coated with a corrosion-resistant composite made of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) doped with carbon nanofiber (CNF). The surface modification method was optimized for improving the interfacial electron transfer of Cu anodes for use in MFCs. Characterization of CNF-PDMS composites doped at different weight ratios demonstrated that the best electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties are obtained at 8% weight ratio of CNF/PDMS mixture. Electrochemical characterization showed that the corrosion rate of Cu electrode in acidified solution decreased from (17 ± 6) × 103 μm y-1 to 93 ± 23 μm y-1 after CNF-PDMS coating. The performance of Cu anodes coated with different layer thicknesses of CNF-PDMS (250 µm, 500 µm, and 1000 µm), was evaluated in MFC. The highest power density of 70 ± 8 mW m-2 obtained with 500 µm CNF-PDMS was about 8-times higher and more stable than that obtained through galvanic corrosion of unmodified Cu. Consequently, the followed process improves the performance of Cu anode for MFC applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Bensalah
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (F.B.); (J.P.); (F.B.)
- Laboratory of Physics of Materials and Nanomaterials Applied at Environment, Faculty of Sciences in Gabes, Gabes University, Gabes 6072, Tunisia; (M.E.); (K.K.)
| | - Julien Pézard
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (F.B.); (J.P.); (F.B.)
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (F.B.); (J.P.); (F.B.)
| | - Mohsen Erouel
- Laboratory of Physics of Materials and Nanomaterials Applied at Environment, Faculty of Sciences in Gabes, Gabes University, Gabes 6072, Tunisia; (M.E.); (K.K.)
| | - François Buret
- Laboratoire Ampère, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (F.B.); (J.P.); (F.B.)
| | - Kamel Khirouni
- Laboratory of Physics of Materials and Nanomaterials Applied at Environment, Faculty of Sciences in Gabes, Gabes University, Gabes 6072, Tunisia; (M.E.); (K.K.)
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Yan X, Du Q, Mu Q, Tian L, Wan Y, Liao C, Zhou L, Yan Y, Li N, Logan BE, Wang X. Long-Term Succession Shows Interspecies Competition of Geobacter in Exoelectrogenic Biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14928-14937. [PMID: 34676765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Geobacter spp. are well-known exoelectrogenic microorganisms that often predominate acetate-fed biofilms in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and other bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). By using an amplicon sequence variance analysis (at one nucleotide resolution), we observed a succession between two closely related species (98% similarity in 16S RNA), Geobacter sulfurreducens and Geobacter anodireducens, in the long-term studies (20 months) of MFC biofilms. Geobacter spp. predominated in the near-electrode portion of the biofilm, while the outer layer contained an abundance of aerobes, which may have helped to consume oxygen but reduced the relative abundance of Geobacter. Removal of the outer aerobes by norspermidine washing of biofilms revealed a transition from G. sulfurreducens to G. anodireducens. This succession was also found to occur rapidly in co-cultures in BES tests even in the absence of oxygen, suggesting that oxygen was not a critical factor. G. sulfurreducens likely dominated in early biofilms by its relatively larger cell size and production of extracellular polymeric substances (individual advantages), while G. anodireducens later predominated due to greater cell numbers (quantitative advantage). Our findings revealed the interspecies competition in the long-term evolution of Geobacter genus, providing microscopic insights into Geobacter's niche and competitiveness in complex electroactive microbial consortia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qing Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Quanhua Mu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lili Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuxuan Wan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chengmei Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lean Zhou
- School of Hydraulic Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Yuqing Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, No. 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Li H, Peng L, Qin Y, Lin X, Zheng L, Li C. Porous α-Fe2O3 nanofiber combined with carbon nanotube as anode to enhance the bioelectricity generation for microbial fuel cell. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Gasmi I, Haddour N, Hamdaoui O, Kerboua K, Alghyamah A, Buret F. A Novel Energy-from-Waste Approach for Electrical Energy Production by Galvano-Fenton Process. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26134013. [PMID: 34209359 PMCID: PMC8271935 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel approach allowing the production of electrical energy by an advanced oxidation process is proposed to eliminate organic micropollutants (MPs) in wastewaters. This approach is based on associating the Galvano–Fenton process to the generation of electrical power. In the previous studies describing the Galvano–Fenton (GF) process, iron was directly coupled to a metal of more positive potential to ensure degradation of organic pollutants without any possibility of producing electrical energy. In this new approach, the Galvano–Fenton process is constructed as an electrochemical cell with an external circuit allowing recovering electrons exchanged during the process. In this study, Malachite Green (MG) dye was used as a model of organic pollutant. Simultaneous MG degradation and electrical energy production with the GF method were investigated in batch process. The investigation of various design parameters emphasis that utilization of copper as a low-cost cathode material in the galvanic couple, provides the best treatment and electrical production performances. Moreover, these performances are improved by increasing the surface area of the cathode. The present work reveals that the GF process has a potential to provide an electrical power density of about 200 W m−2. These interesting performances indicate that this novel Energy-from-Waste strategy of the GF process could serve as an ecological solution for wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Intissar Gasmi
- Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (I.G.); (F.B.)
- Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Process Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Badji Mokhtar-Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (O.H.); (K.K.)
| | - Naoufel Haddour
- Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (I.G.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Oualid Hamdaoui
- Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Process Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Badji Mokhtar-Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (O.H.); (K.K.)
- Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Kaouther Kerboua
- Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Process Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Badji Mokhtar-Annaba University, P.O. Box 12, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (O.H.); (K.K.)
- Department of Second Cycle, Higher School of Industrial Technologies, P.O. Box 218, Annaba 23000, Algeria
| | - Abdulaziz Alghyamah
- Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - François Buret
- Laboratoire Ampère, École Centrale de Lyon, 36 Avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully, France; (I.G.); (F.B.)
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Xing F, Xi H, Yu Y, Zhou Y. Anode biofilm influence on the toxic response of microbial fuel cells under different operating conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:145048. [PMID: 33631591 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The response of microorganisms in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to toxic compounds under different operating conditions, such as flow rate and culture time, was investigated herein. While it has been reported that MFCs can detect some toxic substances, it is unclear if operating conditions affect MFCs toxicity response. In this study, the toxic response time of MFCs decreased when the flow rate increased from 0.5 mL/min to 2 mL/min and then increased with 5 mL/min. The inhibition rates at 0.5 mL/min, 2 mL/min, and 5 mL/min were 8.4% ± 1.6%, 45.1% ± 5.3%, and 4.9% ± 0.3%, respectively. With the increase of culture time from 7 days to 90 days, the toxic response time of MFCs gradually increased. The inhibition rates at culture times of 7 days, 45 days, and 90 days were 45.1% ± 5.3%, 32.6% ± 6.6%, and 23.2% ± 1.3%, respectively. Increasing the culture time will reduce the sensitivity of MFC. The results showed that MFCs can respond quickly at a flow rate of 2 mL/min after cultivation for 7 days. Under these conditions, the power density can reach 1137.0 ± 65.5 mW/m2, the relative content of Geobacter sp. is 57%, and the ORP of the multilayers changed from -159.2 ± 1.6 mV to -269.9 ± 1.7 mV within 200 μm biofilm thickness. These findings show that increasing the flow rate and shortening the culture time are conducive for the toxicity response of MFCs, which will increase the sensitivity of MFCs in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xing
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Hongbo Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Yin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Yuexi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
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Liu Z, Zhou A, Wang S, Cheng S, Yin X, Yue X. Quorum sensing shaped microbial consortia and enhanced hydrogen recovery from waste activated sludge electro-fermentation on basis of free nitrous acid treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144348. [PMID: 33418258 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the feasibility of free nitrous acid (FNA) pretreatment coupled with quorum sensing (QS) was investigated to enhance hydrogen recovery from waste activated sludge (WAS) via electro-fermentation (EF). 3-oxo-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC6-HSL), as the signal molecule, was only added in the first three cycles of sludge inoculation at the phase of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) startup. Results showed that QS combined FNA (AHL-FMEC) enabled highest hydrogen yield and current (4.3 mg/g VSS and 4.5 mA), while that generated from sole FNA/QS treated WAS (FMEC/AHL-RMEC) were only 3.5/3.0 mg/g VSS and 1.5/1.5 mA, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra illustrated the effective conversion of organics in AHL-FMEC, the utilization efficiencies of proteins and carbohydrates achieved to 75.0% and 79.7%, respectively. Besides, the internal resistance decreased from 34.5 Ω (FMEC) to 22.9 Ω (AHL-RMEC), further to 18.0 Ω, indicating the promoted bioelectrochemical activity of electroactive bacteria (EAB) in AHL-FMEC. Correspondingly, both EAB (21.7%), e.g., Geobacter (9.3%) and Pseudomonas (3.2%) and anaerobic fermentation bacteria (AFB, 28.6%), e.g., Proteiniclasticum (14.2%) and Petrimonas (3.6%) enriched to peaks in AHL-FMEC. Moreover, molecular ecological network (MEN) analysis revealed the underling relationships among AFB, EAB and homo-acetogen in EF system, suggesting the possible cooperative QS has been constructed. The results obtained in this study may provide a new insight for efficient hydrogen recovery from electro-fermentation of WAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Aijuan Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Sufang Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Shuanglan Cheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiuping Yue
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, China; Shanxi Engineer Research Institute of Sludge Disposition and Resources, Taiyuan, China.
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Yanuka-Golub K, Dubinsky V, Korenblum E, Reshef L, Ofek-Lalzar M, Rishpon J, Gophna U. Anode Surface Bioaugmentation Enhances Deterministic Biofilm Assembly in Microbial Fuel Cells. mBio 2021; 12:e03629-20. [PMID: 33653887 PMCID: PMC8092319 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03629-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) generate energy while aiding the biodegradation of waste through the activity of an electroactive mixed biofilm. Metabolic cooperation is essential for MFCs' efficiency, especially during early colonization. Thus, examining specific ecological processes that drive the assembly of anode biofilms is highly important for shortening startup times and improving MFC performance, making this technology cost-effective and sustainable. Here, we use metagenomics to show that bioaugmentation of the anode surface with a taxonomically defined electroactive consortium, dominated by Desulfuromonas, resulted in an extremely rapid current density generation. Conversely, the untreated anode surface resulted in a highly stochastic and slower biofilm assembly. Remarkably, an efficient anode colonization process was obtained only if wastewater was added, leading to a nearly complete replacement of the bioaugmented community by Geobacter lovleyi Although different approaches to improve MFC startup have been investigated, we propose that only the combination of anode bioaugmentation with wastewater inoculation can reduce stochasticity. Such an approach provides the conditions that support the growth of specific newly arriving species that positively support the fast establishment of a highly functional anode biofilm.IMPORTANCE Mixed microbial communities play important roles in treating wastewater, in producing renewable energy, and in the bioremediation of pollutants in contaminated environments. While these processes are well known, especially the community structure and biodiversity, how to efficiently and robustly manage microbial community assembly remains unknown. Moreover, it has been shown that a high degree of temporal variation in microbial community composition and structure often occurs even under identical environmental conditions. This heterogeneity is directly related to stochastic processes involved in microbial community organization, similarly during the initial stages of biofilm formation on surfaces. In this study, we show that anode surface pretreatment alone is not sufficient for a substantial improvement in startup times in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), as previously thought. Rather, we have discovered that the combination of applying a well-known consortium directly on the anode surface together with wastewater (including the bacteria that they contain) is the optimized management scheme. This allowed a selected colonization process by the wastewater species, which improved the functionality relative to that of untreated systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Yanuka-Golub
- The Porter School of Environmental Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vadim Dubinsky
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elisa Korenblum
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Leah Reshef
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Judith Rishpon
- The Porter School of Environmental Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Gophna
- The Porter School of Environmental Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Salar-Garcia MJ, Obata O, Kurt H, Chandran K, Greenman J, Ieropoulos IA. Impact of Inoculum Type on the Microbial Community and Power Performance of Urine-Fed Microbial Fuel Cells. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121921. [PMID: 33287204 PMCID: PMC7761717 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria are the driving force of the microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, which benefits from their natural ability to degrade organic matter and generate electricity. The development of an efficient anodic biofilm has a significant impact on the power performance of this technology so it is essential to understand the effects of the inoculum nature on the anodic bacterial diversity and establish its relationship with the power performance of the system. Thus, this work aims at analysing the impact of 3 different types of inoculum: (i) stored urine, (ii) sludge and (iii) effluent from a working MFC, on the microbial community of the anodic biofilm and therefore on the power performance of urine-fed ceramic MFCs. The results showed that MFCs inoculated with sludge outperformed the rest and reached a maximum power output of 40.38 mW·m-2anode (1.21 mW). The power performance of these systems increased over time whereas the power output by MFCs inoculated either with stored urine or effluent decreased after day 30. These results are directly related to the establishment and adaptation of the microbial community on the anode during the assay. Results showed the direct relationship between the bacterial community composition, originating from the different inocula, and power generation within the MFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Salar-Garcia
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (O.O.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.S.-G.); (I.A.I.)
| | - Oluwatosin Obata
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (O.O.); (J.G.)
| | - Halil Kurt
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; (H.K.); (K.C.)
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; (H.K.); (K.C.)
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (O.O.); (J.G.)
| | - Ioannis A. Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK; (O.O.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.J.S.-G.); (I.A.I.)
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Hill A, Tait S, Baillie C, Virdis B, McCabe B. Microbial electrochemical sensors for volatile fatty acid measurement in high strength wastewaters: A review. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 165:112409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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30
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Anode surface modification regulates biofilm community population and the performance of micro-MFC based biochemical oxygen demand sensor. Chem Eng Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.115691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Liu W, Jia H, Jiang X, Wu Y, Wang J. The new insight about electrode interface behaviour via in situ ultrasound three-dimensional representation monitoring based on a bio-electrochemical system. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 136:107599. [PMID: 32711364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Behaviour of the electrode interface is a determining factor that affects the performance of a bio-electrochemical system (BES). Examples include the formation of an electroactive biofilm, electrode degradation and renewal. However, underlying mechanisms are unclear, and traditional approaches make it difficult to achieve in situ monitoring. In this study, a novel technology using ultrasound three-dimensional representation (UTDR) was used to track in situ electrode interface behaviour based on the correspondence between acoustic and electrical signals. A series of wavelet analyses showed that the formation of an electroactive biofilm is a lengthy process with multiple physiological steps, and biofilm thickness increased by approximately 600 μm after 40 days of operation. At the same time, directional migration of Ca2+, Mg2+ confirmed acceleration of the salting out on the cathode, which forms a compacted structure with the biological layer. Furthermore, UTDR combined with electrochemical methods allowed for comprehensive evaluation of AC impact, and indicated that AC (1 Hz, 20 V) could effectively desquamate the contaminating solids and restore power density to 93.4% of initial. These results show that UTDR is a sensitive and effective method for revealing microscopic changes on the electrode surface, which gives it potential wide applicability to interfacial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Processes, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Hui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Processes, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Processes, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Processes, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Processes, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin TianGong University, Tianjin 300387, China.
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32
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Electrogenic Biofilm Development Determines Charge Accumulation and Resistance to pH Perturbation. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13143521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The electrogenic biofilm and the bio-electrode interface are the key biocatalytic components in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) and can have a large impact on cell performance. This study used four different anodic carbons to investigate electrogenic biofilm development to determine the influence of charge accumulation and biofilm growth on system performance and how biofilm structure may mitigate against pH perturbations. Power production was highest (1.40 W/m3) using carbon felt, but significant power was also produced when felt carbon was open-circuit acclimated in a control reactor (0.95 W/m3). The influence of carbon material on electrogenic biofilm development was determined by measuring the level of biofilm growth, using sequencing to identify the microbial populations and confocal microscopy to understand the spatial locations of key microbial groups. Geobacter spp. were found to be enriched in closed-circuit operation and these were in close association with the carbon anode, but these were not observed in the open-circuit controls. Electrochemical analysis also demonstrated that the highest mid-point anode potentials were close to values reported for cytochromes from Geobacter sulfurreductans. Biofilm development was greatest in felt anodes (closed-circuit acclimated 1209 ng/μL DNA), and this facilitated the highest pseudo-capacitive values due to the presence of redox-active species, and this was associated with higher levels of power production and also served to mitigate against the effects of low-pH operation. Supporting carbon anode structures are key to electrogenic biofilm development and associated system performance and are also capable of protecting electrochemically active bacteria from the effects of environmental perturbations.
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Korth B, Kretzschmar J, Bartz M, Kuchenbuch A, Harnisch F. Determining incremental coulombic efficiency and physiological parameters of early stage Geobacter spp. enrichment biofilms. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234077. [PMID: 32559199 PMCID: PMC7304624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Geobacter spp. enrichment biofilms were cultivated in batch using one-chamber and two-chamber bioelectrochemical reactors. Time-resolved substrate quantification was performed to derive physiological parameters as well as incremental coulombic efficiency (i.e., coulombic efficiency during one batch cycle, here every 6h) during early stage biofilm development. The results of one-chamber reactors revealed an intermediate acetate increase putatively due to the presence of acetogens. Total coulombic efficiencies of two-chamber reactors were considerable lower (19.6±8.3% and 49.3±13.2% for 1st and 2nd batch cycle, respectively) compared to usually reported values of mature Geobacter spp. enrichment biofilms presumably reflecting energetic requirements for biomass production (i.e., cells and extracellular polymeric substances) during early stages of biofilm development. The incremental coulombic efficiency exhibits considerable changes during batch cycles indicating shifts between phases of maximizing metabolic rates and maximizing biomass yield. Analysis based on Michaelis-Menten kinetics yielded maximum substrate uptake rates (vmax,Ac, vmax,I) and half-saturation concentration coefficients (KM,Ac,KM,I) based on acetate uptake or current production, respectively. The latter is usually reported in literature but neglects energy demands for biofilm growth and maintenance as well as acetate and electron storage. From 1st to 2nd batch cycle, vmax,Ac and KM,Ac, decreased from 0.0042–0.0051 mmol Ac− h−1 cm−2 to 0.0031–0.0037 mmol Ac− h−1 cm−2 and 1.02–2.61 mM Ac− to 0.28–0.42 mM Ac−, respectively. Furthermore, differences between KM,Ac/KM,I and vmax,Ac/vmax,I were observed providing insights into the physiology of Geobacter spp. enrichment biofilms. Notably, KM,I considerably scattered while vmax,Ac/vmax,I and KM,Ac remained rather stable indicating that acetate transport within biofilm only marginally affects reaction rates. The observed data variation mandates the requirement of a more detailed analysis with an improved experimental system, e.g., using flow conditions and a comparison with Geobacter spp. pure cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Korth
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Jörg Kretzschmar
- Biochemical Conversion Department, DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige GmbH, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Manuel Bartz
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Anne Kuchenbuch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Falk Harnisch
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Effective Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage with Microbial Fuel Cells: An Emphasis on Typical Energy Substrates. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10050443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD), characterized by a high concentration of heavy metals, poses a threat to the ecosystem and human health. Bioelectrochemical system (BES) is a promising technology for the simultaneous treatment of organic wastewater and recovery of metal ions from AMD. Different kinds of organic wastewater usually contain different predominant organic chemicals. However, the effect of different energy substrates on AMD treatment and microbial communities of BES remains largely unknown. Here, results showed that different energy substrates (such as glucose, acetate, ethanol, or lactate) affected the startup, maximum voltage output, power density, coulombic efficiency, and microbial communities of the microbial fuel cell (MFC). Compared with the maximum voltage output (55 mV) obtained by glucose-fed-MFC, much higher maximum voltage output (187 to 212 mV) was achieved by MFCs fed individually with other energy substrates. Acetate-fed-MFC showed the highest power density (195.07 mW/m2), followed by lactate (98.63 mW/m2), ethanol (52.02 mW/m2), and glucose (3.23 mW/m2). Microbial community analysis indicated that the microbial communities of anodic electroactive biofilms changed with different energy substrates. The unclassified_f_Enterobacteriaceae (87.48%) was predominant in glucose-fed-MFC, while Geobacter species only accounted for 0.63%. The genera of Methanobrevibacter (23.70%), Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia (23.47%), and Geobacter (11.90%) were the major genera enriched in the ethanol-fed-MFC. Geobacter was most predominant in MFC enriched by lactate (45.28%) or acetate (49.72%). Results showed that the abundance of exoelectrogens Geobacter species correlated to electricity-generation capacities of electroactive biofilms. Electroactive biofilms enriched with acetate, lactate, or ethanol effectively recovered all Cu2+ ion (349 mg/L) of simulated AMD in a cathodic chamber within 53 h by reduction as Cu0 on the cathode. However, only 34.65% of the total Cu2+ ion was removed in glucose-fed-MFC by precipitation with anions and cations rather than Cu0 on the cathode.
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Liu W, Yang G, Jia H, Wang J. A novel UASB-MFC dual sensors system for wastewater treatment: On-line sensor recovery and electrode cleaning in the long-term operation. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 246:125751. [PMID: 31896017 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this research, the UASB-MFC dual sensors system was established and treatment the brewery wastewater. The COD removal rate attain about 90% and the NH4+-N concentration less than 15 mg/L, MFCs has a voltage range of 0.34-0.42 V. Meanwhile, as the biosensor for coupling system, MFCs can be used to make simultaneous monitor COD and TVFA. The potential distribution can in-situ accelerate the reattachment of micro-organisms, which shorten the recovery time to 55% of the original. The long-term performance of MFCs were tested by electrochemical methods and found that the degradation of biosensors was mainly caused by the precipitation of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the cathode surface and affected by concentration. More importantly, cleaning the electrode by an self-enhanced method without external assistance ECS (Electrodes Connection Switching) can improve the MFCs performance to 83.2 %-84.6%. Dual sensors system in UASB gives a novel possibility for UASB-MFC sensor self-sustaining in a long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
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Cao M, Feng Y, Wang N, Li Y, Li N, Liu J, He W. Electrochemical regulation on the metabolism of anode biofilms under persistent exogenous bacteria interference. Electrochim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.135922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Xiao N, Selvaganapathy PR, Wu R, Huang JJ. Influence of wastewater microbial community on the performance of miniaturized microbial fuel cell biosensor. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 302:122777. [PMID: 31991390 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) based sensors had been studied in measuring biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or the equivalent chemical oxygen demand (COD) recently. Limited attention has been paid to the effect of the microbial communities in wastewater on the responses of these sensors. This study systematically evaluated, for the first time, the effect of wastewater samples from a variety of sources on the electrical response of a micro-fabricated double-chamber MFC device. It was found that the response of the MFC is positively correlated with the bacterial composition, in particular electroactive bacteria. The presence of aerobic bacteria in the sample reduces the current generation. These findings indicated that the bacterial content of the water sample could be a significant interference source and must be considered in the use of µMFC-based sensors. Filtering samples may be effective in improving the reliability of these microsensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L7, Canada
| | | | - Rong Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Jinhui Jeanne Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering/Sino-Canada Joint R&D Centre for Water and Environmental Safety, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China.
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Obata O, Salar-Garcia MJ, Greenman J, Kurt H, Chandran K, Ieropoulos I. Development of efficient electroactive biofilm in urine-fed microbial fuel cell cascades for bioelectricity generation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 258:109992. [PMID: 31929046 PMCID: PMC7001104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology harnesses the potential of some naturally occurring bacteria for electricity generation. Digested sludge is commonly used as the inoculum to initiate the process. There are, however, health hazards and practical issues associated with the use of digested sludge depending on its origin as well as the location for system deployment. This work reports the development of an efficient electroactive bacterial community within ceramic-based MFCs fed with human urine in the absence of sludge inoculum. The results show the development of a uniform bacterial community with power output levels equal to or higher than those generated from MFCs inoculated with sludge. In this case, the power generation begins within 2 days of the experimental set-up, compared to about 5 days in some sludge-inoculated MFCs, thus significantly reducing the start-up time. The metagenomics analysis of the successfully formed electroactive biofilm (EAB) shows significant shifts between the microbial ecology of the feeding material (fresh urine) and the developed anodic biofilm. A total of 21 bacteria genera were detected in the urine feedstock whilst up to 35 different genera were recorded in the developed biofilm. Members of Pseudomonas (18%) and Anaerolineaceae (17%) dominate the bacterial community of the fresh urine feed while members of Burkholderiaceae (up to 50%) and Tissierella (up to 29%) dominate the anodic EAB. These results highlight a significant shift in the bacterial community of the feedstock towards a selection and adaptation required for the various electrochemical reactions essential for survival through power generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatosin Obata
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Maria J Salar-Garcia
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK; Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Halil Kurt
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Kartik Chandran
- Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK.
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Zhang P, Yang C, Xu Y, Li H, Shi W, Xie X, Lu M, Huang L, Huang W. Accelerating the startup of microbial fuel cells by facile microbial acclimation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2019.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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In situ synthesis of polypyrrole on graphite felt as bio-anode to enhance the start-up performance of microbial fuel cells. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2019; 43:429-437. [PMID: 31679050 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-019-02238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study introduces an effective method to deposit polypyrrole (PPy) on graphite felt (GF) as anode to improve the start-up performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electrochemical testing reveal that polypyrrole is able to improve the electrical conductivity and surface roughness, which is beneficial to the microorganism attachment and growth. It shows that microorganisms grow faster on polypyrrole-modified anode than on unmodified anode. It takes ca. 5 days for polypyrrole-modified anode to reach a reproducible voltage platform, while it takes 11 days for unmodified anode. Moreover, the maximum power density of microbial fuel cells with polypyrrole-modified anode was 919 mW m-2, which were 2.3 times of that with unmodified anode. This research revealed that polypyrrole modification can improve the start-up performance of microbial fuel cells. It is considered as a feasible, economical and sustainable anode.
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Li B, Liu XN, Tang C, Zhou J, Wu XY, Xie XX, Wei P, Jia HH, Yong XY. Degradation of phenolic compounds with simultaneous bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells: Influence of the dynamic shift in anode microbial community. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 291:121862. [PMID: 31357047 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the feasibility of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for simultaneous electricity generation and degradation of phenolic compounds. The voltage generation was inhibited by 36.18-63.90%, but the degradation rate increased by 146.15-392.31% when the initial concentration of syringic acid (SA), vanillic acid (VA), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) increased from 0.3 to 3.0 g/L. The collaboration among the functional microbes significantly enhanced the degradation rate of parent compounds and their intermediates in MFCs systems, while the accumulated intermediates severely inhibited their complete mineralization in fermentative systems. High-throughput sequencing showed that the growth of fermentative bacteria prevailed, but electrogenic bacteria were inhibited in the anode microbial community (AMC) under high concentrations of phenolic compounds (3.0 g/L). These findings provide a better understanding of the dynamic shift and synergy effects of the AMC to evaluate its potential for the treatment of phenolic-containing wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Li
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiao-Na Liu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Chen Tang
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xia-Yuan Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xin-Xin Xie
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Ping Wei
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Hong-Hua Jia
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Yong
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816, China.
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42
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Gul MM, Ahmad KS. Bioelectrochemical systems: Sustainable bio-energy powerhouses. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 142:111576. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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43
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Yu B, Li Y, Feng L. Enhancing the performance of soil microbial fuel cells by using a bentonite-Fe and Fe 3O 4 modified anode. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 377:70-77. [PMID: 31151042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To improve the performance of soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs), Fe3O4 and bentonite-Fe were selected as anode modifiers, and correspondingly, graphite felt (GF), GF + Fe3O4 (GFF), and GF + bentonite-Fe (GFB) anodes were created and applied to the SMFCs system. The stable voltages of SMFCs were 249 mV for GFF and 324 mV for GFB, thus representing an increase by 8.26% (GFF) and 40.87% (GFB) in comparison with those of GF. Moreover, the maximum power density in the modified treatment increased from 10.6 mW·m-2 to 18.28 mW·m-2 (GFF) and 29.98 mW·m-2 (GFB), and the internal resistance was reduced to 395 Ω for GFF and 219 Ω for GFB. The degradation efficiency clearly improved after being modified, especially by bentonite-Fe, and the removal ratios of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene reached 31.42%, 36.62%, 32.48% and 26.24%, respectively, after the SMFCs had run for 45 days. Both modifications contributed to the enrichment of electricigens on the anodes; however, there was minimal difference between them, which resulted in a similar microbial community on the modified anodes. The results demonstrated that Fe3O4 and bentonite-Fe could enhance the potential of SMFCs in soil remediation, and bentonite-Fe outperformed Fe3O4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Yu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China; Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Liu Feng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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44
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Zhang Z, Han Y, Xu C, Han H, Zhong D, Zheng M, Ma W. Effect of low-intensity direct current electric field on microbial nitrate removal in coal pyrolysis wastewater with low COD to nitrogen ratio. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 287:121465. [PMID: 31121448 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The coupling of bioelectrochemical system with the biological denitrification process (R1) was constructed for nitrate removal in coal pyrolysis wastewater (CPW) and the effect of low-intensity direct current electric field was investigated. Compared with control reactor (R2), the total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency in R1 at the optimized voltage of 0.9 V was 94.20 ± 2.14%, which was 14.42% higher than that in R2. The biofilm on the cathode of R1 enhanced the nitrate reducing, however, nitrite was only reduced by bacteria in suspended activated sludge, which was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry measurement (CV). Microbial community network analysis revealed that exoelectrogenic bacteria of Pseudomonas was enriched on the anode of R1, and the "small world", including Zoogloea, Pseudomonas and Arenimonas, was established under the stimulation of voltage. Therefore, Pseudomonas transferred electron to anode, and Arenimonas could utilize electron from anode to reduce nitrate, which enhanced TN removal in R1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yuxing Han
- School of Engineering, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chunyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Hongjun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Dan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China.
| | - Mengqi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Weiwei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, Harbin 150090, China
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Vasieva O, Goryanin I. Is there a Function for a Sex Pheromone Precursor? J Integr Bioinform 2019; 16:/j/jib.ahead-of-print/jib-2019-0016/jib-2019-0016.xml. [PMID: 31301673 PMCID: PMC7074142 DOI: 10.1515/jib-2019-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional coupling and comparative genomics analysis have been applied to study functional associations of orthologs of enterococcal cAD1 sex pheromone (P13268) known to be responsible for biofilm formation, conjugative plasmid transfer and spreading of bacterial antibiotics resistance. cAD1 peptide pheromone is released from the membrane lipoprotein with the peptide precursor encoded by a gene cad (tr|C2JQE7). Our analysis of genomic neighbourhood of cad and motifs of the encoded polypeptide and its orthologs suggests a close functional association between cAD1 and ApbE protein (Q82Z24), a FMN insertion and trafficking facilitator. The cad and apbE orthologs were coupled in the genomes and ApbE-specific motifs for FMN covalent attachment were identified in cad-encoded protein sequence and its orthologs. These findings suggest a potential role of FMN-based reductase function of the cAD1 lipoprotein precursor in its processing and release of the active sex pheromone peptide. They may lead to a new approach in prevention of antibiotic resistance spread via targeting sex pheromone processing chaperones or by suppression of the FMN availability and covalent binding. This methods can be also applied to a controlled evolution of bacterial pathogenicity in microbial fuel cells, as the findings suggest the crosstalk between bacterial pathogenicity and bacterial electro-activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Vasieva
- University of Liverpool, Crown street, Liverpool, UK.,Ingenet ltd, 3d floor, 207 Regent street, London, UK
| | - I Goryanin
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Okinawa Institute Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan.,Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Tianjin, China
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Wu M, Xu X, Lu K, Li X. Effects of the presence of nanoscale zero-valent iron on the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls and total organic carbon by sediment microbial fuel cell. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:39-44. [PMID: 30502733 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and total organic carbon (TOC) by sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) with/without nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) addition was investigated. It was found that the combined application led to the highest removal efficiencies of PCBs (37.55 ± 1.11%) and TOC (49.72 ± 1.54%) in all circumstances and produced a higher power density (108.89 mW/m2) and a corresponding lower internal resistance (264 Ω) than operation employing SMFC only. The TOC removal efficiency and the total production of electricity were linear. High-throughput sequencing of anodic microbial communities indicated that the electrode participation can increase the abundance of electrogenic bacteria (Geobacter and Pseudomonas) and the NZVI addition can reduce the oxidation reduction potential of the system and therefore enrich some bacteria (Longilinea and Desulfofustis) beneficial to the degradation of organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingsong Wu
- College of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 100819, China; School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Qinhuangdao Key Laboratory of Water Conservation and Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| | - Xun Xu
- Tongji Zhejiang College, Jiaxing 314051, China
| | - Kexiang Lu
- Tongji Zhejiang College, Jiaxing 314051, China
| | - Xueqi Li
- School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
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On-Line Raman Spectroscopic Study of Cytochromes' Redox State of Biofilms in Microbial Fuel Cells. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030646. [PMID: 30759821 PMCID: PMC6384720 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bio-electrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells and microbial electrosynthesis cells depend on efficient electron transfer between the microorganisms and the electrodes. Understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of the electron transfer is important in order to design more efficient reactors, as well as modifying microorganisms for enhanced electricity production. Geobacter are well known for their ability to form thick biofilms and transfer electrons to the surfaces of electrodes. Currently, there are not many “on-line” systems for monitoring the activity of the biofilm and the electron transfer process without harming the biofilm. Raman microscopy was shown to be capable of providing biochemical information, i.e., the redox state of C-type cytochromes, which is integral to external electron transfer, without harming the biofilm. In the current study, a custom 3D printed flow-through cuvette was used in order to analyze the oxidation state of the C-type cytochromes of suspended cultures of three Geobacter sulfurreducens strains (PCA, KN400 and ΔpilA). It was found that the oxidation state is a good indicator of the metabolic state of the cells. Furthermore, an anaerobic fluidic system enabling in situ Raman measurements was designed and applied successfully to monitor and characterize G. sulfurreducens biofilms during electricity generation, for both a wild strain, PCA, and a mutant, ΔS. The cytochrome redox state, monitored by the Raman peak areas, could be modulated by applying different poise voltages to the electrodes. This also correlated with the modulation of current transferred from the cytochromes to the electrode. The Raman peak area changed in a predictable and reversible manner, indicating that the system could be used for analyzing the oxidation state of the proteins responsible for the electron transfer process and the kinetics thereof in-situ.
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Md Khudzari J, Gariépy Y, Kurian J, Tartakovsky B, Raghavan GV. Effects of biochar anodes in rice plant microbial fuel cells on the production of bioelectricity, biomass, and methane. Biochem Eng J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Cid CA, Stinchcombe A, Ieropoulos I, Hoffmann MR. Urine microbial fuel cells in a semi-controlled environment for onsite urine pre-treatment and electricity production. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 2018; 400:441-448. [PMID: 31007366 PMCID: PMC6472131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems have the ability to oxidize organic matter and transfer electrons to an external circuit as electricity at voltage levels of <1 V. Urine has been shown to be an excellent feedstock for various MFC systems, particularly MFCs inoculated with activated sludge and with a terracotta ceramic membrane separating carbon-based electrodes. In this article, we studied a MFC system composed of two stacks of 32 individual cells each sharing the same anolyte. By combining the current produced by the 32 cells connected in parallel and by adding the potential of both stacks connected in series, an average power density of 23 mW m-2 was produced at an effective current density of 65 mA m-2 for more than 120 days. [NH3], TIC, COD, and TOC levels were monitored frequently to understand the chemical energy conversion to electricity as well as to determine the best electrical configuration of the stacks. Archaeal and bacterial populations on selected anode felts and in the anolyte of both stacks were investigated as well. Indicator microorganisms for bacterial waterborne diseases were measured in anolyte and catholyte compartments to evaluate the risk of reusing the catholyte in a non-regulated environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement A. Cid
- Linde+Robinson Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Stinchcombe
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Michael R. Hoffmann
- Linde+Robinson Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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50
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Pasternak G, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Dynamic evolution of anodic biofilm when maturing under different external resistive loads in microbial fuel cells. Electrochemical perspective. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 2018; 400:392-401. [PMID: 30739982 PMCID: PMC6358148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate inoculation and maturation may be crucial for shortening the startup time and maximising power output of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), whilst ensuring stable operation. In this study we explore the relationship between electrochemical parameters of MFCs matured under different external resistance (Rext) values (50 Ω - 10 kΩ) using non-synthetic fuel (human urine). Maturing the biofilm under the lower selected Rext results in improved power performance and lowest internal resistance (Rint), whereas using higher Rext results in increased ohmic losses and inferior performance. When the optimal load is applied to the MFCs following maturity, dependence of microbial activity on original Rext values does not change, suggesting an irreversible effect on the biofilm, within the timeframe of the reported experiments. Biofilm microarchitecture is affected by Rext and plays an important role in MFC efficiency. Presence of water channels, EPS and precipitated salts is distinctive for higher Rext and open circuit MFCs. Correlation analysis reveals that the biofilm changes most dynamically in the first 5 weeks of operation and that fixed Rext lefts an electrochemical effect on biofilm performance. Therefore, the initial conditions of the biofilm development can affect its long-term structure, properties and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Pasternak
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370, Wrocław, Poland
- Corresponding author. Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK.
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK
- Corresponding author.
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