Spontaneous arsenic (III) oxidation with bioelectricity generation in single-chamber microbial fuel cells

J Hazard Mater. 2016 Apr 5:306:8-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.12.003. Epub 2015 Dec 4.

Abstract

Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements commonly found in groundwater. With initial concentration of 200μgL(-1), spontaneous As(III) oxidation is realized completely during 7 days operation in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in the present study, with the maximum power density of 752.6±17mWm(-2). The product is less toxic and mobile As(V), which can be removed from aqueous solution more easily. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis indicates the existence of arsenic-resistant bacteria as Actinobacteria, Comamonas, Pseudomonas and arsenic-oxidizing bacteria as Enterobacter, with electrochemically active bacteria as Lactococcus, Enterobacter. They interact together and are responsible for As(III) oxidation and bioelectricity generation in MFCs. This study offers a potential attractive method for remediation of arsenic-polluted groundwater.

Keywords: Arsenic; Bioelectricity; Groundwater; Microbial fuel cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Arsenic / metabolism*
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Electricity
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Arsenic