Effect of starch-derived organic acids on the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an aquaculture-sediment microbial fuel cell. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Haochi; Chao, Bo; Gao, Xintong; Cao, Xian; Li, Xianning
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 311(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Sediment microbial fuel cell -- Starch -- Electricity generation -- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon -- Low-molecular-weight organic acid; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114783
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: This study constructed sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) removal in contaminated aquaculture sediment. Starch, a waste deposited in aquaculture sediment, was employed as the co-substrate for electricity generation and PAHs removal, and the effect of starch-derived organic acids on SMFC performance was assessed. The results indicated that sufficient starch promoted PAHs removal (69.9% for naphthalene, 55.6% for acenaphthene, and 46.8% for pyrene) in dual-chamber SMFC, whereas excessive starch attenuated SMFC performance because the organic acids accumulation reduced anode pH, decreased species diversity, and changed the microbial communities. The electricity generation and PAHs removal were positively correlated ( R > 0.96), and both of them were related to Macellibacteroides belonging to Bacteroidetes. However, a larger single-chamber SMFC device did not obtain enhanced PAHs removal owing to the restricted "effective range" of the anode. Hence, more challenges need to be addressed to realize the practical application of SMFC. Highlights: SMFC improved PAHs removal in contaminated aquaculture sediment. Sufficient starch synchronously improved PAHs removal and electricity generation. Organic acids accumulation reduced anode pH and changed the microbial community structure. Electricity generation and PAHs removal were significantly related in SMFC.