Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Crop Science Research Laboratory » Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #349322
Title: Proof of concept study of Anammox Biocathode for microbial desalination coupled with wastewater treatment

Author
item KOKABIAN, BAHAREH - Mississippi State University
item GUDE, VEERA GNANEWAR - Mississippi State University
item Smith, Renotta
item Brooks, John

Submitted to: Chemical Engineering Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Generating electricity involves a number of different options, one of which is the use of bacteria in wastewater, in a system called Microbial desalination cells (MDCs), a form of bioelectrochemical systems. This type of system allows for simultaneous wastewater treatment and desalination of saline water with concurrent electricity production. This research focuses on the use of biological approaches, rather than costly chemicals to perform the same reaction. This study describes the use of a specific group of bacteria, known as Anammox bacteria. Here, we report the first proof of concept study to prove that the anammox mechanism can be beneficial in enhancing the sustainability of microbial desalination cells to provide simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen from wastewater while producing bioelectricity. Batch experiments improved the electrical efficiency of the system, with maximum power achieved and more than 90% removal of ammonium. Experimental studies and microbial community analysis are presented in detail.

Technical Abstract: Microbial desalination cells (MDCs), a form of bioelectrochemical systems, allow for simultaneous wastewater treatment and desalination of saline water with concurrent electricity production. To eliminate the need for expensive catalysts and toxic chemicals, this research focuses on biological cathode development to enhance the system performance in an environmentally-sustainable manner. This study describes the use of an autotrophic microorganism, Anammox bacteria, as a sustainable biocatalyst/biocathode in MDCs. Here, we report the first proof of concept study to prove that anammox mechanism can be beneficial in enhancing the sustainability of microbial desalination cells to provide simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen from wastewater while producing bioelectricity. Batch experiments improved the coulombic efficiency of the system as well as the nitrite and ammonium removal of the wastewater. A maximum power of 0.114 Wm-3 with more than 90% removal of ammonium was achieved in this system. Experimental studies and microbial community analysis are presented in detail.