Use of microbial fuel cells for soil remediation: A preliminary study on DDE. (3rd March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borello, Domenico; Gagliardi, Gabriele; Aimola, Giorgia; Ancona, Valeria; Grenni, Paola; Bagnuolo, Giuseppe; Garbini, Gian Luigi; Rolando, Ludovica; Barra Caracciolo, Anna
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 16(2021)
• Page Start: 10131
• Page End: 10142
• Publication Date: 2021-03-03
• Subjects: MFC -- DDE -- Bioremediation -- Exo-electrogen microorganisms; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.07.074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: DDE (2, 2-bis ( p -chlorophenyl)-1, 1-dichloroetylene) is a very persistent and bioaccumulative pesticide and its residues are continuously found in the environment. Among the green remediation strategies for soil recovery, terrestrial Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) are arousing great interest in scientific community. MFCs transform energy stored in the chemical bonds of organic compounds into electrical energy thanks to exo-electrogen microorganisms naturally occurring in soil, which catalyse oxidation and reduction reactions in the area between two graphite electrodes. This work reports preliminary data on the use of MFCs for promoting soil decontamination from DDE. Several experimental conditions (e.g. addition of compost and open/closed circuit) were applied for assessing how to improve MFC performance in favouring DDE removal. MFCs promoted a significant DDE removal (39%) after 2 months, while at the same time any pesticide decrease was observed in the batch condition. Compost addition stimulated microbial activity and improved MFC performance for a longer time. Highlights: MFCs showed significant capacity in removing DDE at 2 months of testing. Compost in MFC stimulated microbial activity favouring DDE removal for a longer time. MFC power generation and microbial abundance and activity decreased over time.