Improved decolorization of dye wastewater in an electrochemical system powered by microbial fuel cells and intensified by micro-electrolysis

Bioelectrochemistry
Shuai LiangCuibai Chen

Abstract

Electrochemical decolorization is of particular importance for the efficient treatment of dye wastewater. A promising electrochemical system powered by microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and intensified by Fe-C micro-electrolysis is proposed and enhanced decolorization of methyl orange (MO) is realized in this study. The decolorization efficiency reached as high as 97.1 ± 1.8% after 180 min of operation with initial MO concentration of 50 mg/L and applied voltage of 700 mV. Decolorization efficiency initially increased and then decreased with rising Fe-to-C ratio. In addition, efficiency was enhanced with the increase of aeration rate up to 6.0 L/min. Lower initial MO concentration and pH were also shown to facilitate MO decolorization. A study of mechanisms, with results from control tests and scavenger experiments indicated that MO decolorization was contributed by the indirect oxidation by various oxidizing substances, especially O2-, that were generated during the process. MO molecule was decomposed and low molecular weight compounds such as indolizine, hydrazide and thione were generated. This study advances the performance of MFC in dye wastewater treatment by combining with a standard technique.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.