Bioelectro-Claus processes using MFC technology: Influence of co-substrate

Bioresour Technol. 2015:189:94-98. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.03.115. Epub 2015 Apr 2.

Abstract

This work is focused on the removal of sulphide from wastewater using a two chamber microbial fuel cell, seeded with activated sludge and operated in semi-continuous mode. Two co-substrates were used in order to provide the system for carbon and nutrient source: actual urban wastewater and synthetic wastewater. Results show that sulphide is efficiency depleted (removals over 94%) and that electricity is efficiently produced (maximum power density is 150 mW m(-2)) meanwhile COD is also oxidised (removals higher than 60%). Sulphur and sulphate are obtained as the final products of the oxidation and final speciation depends on the type of co-substrate used. The start-up of the system is very rapid and production of electricity and polarisation curves do not depend on the co-substrate.

Keywords: Bioelectro-Claus; Microbial fuel cell; Sulphate; Sulphide; Sulphur.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Electricity*
  • Electrodes
  • Sewage / chemistry
  • Sulfides / analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Wastewater / chemistry

Substances

  • Sewage
  • Sulfides
  • Waste Water