Abstract
The aim of this study was to utilize the biocathode microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) for sulfate removal from wastewater. Experiments were conducted using the two-chambered MEC under fed-batch and continuous flow modes, respectively, with different cathode potentials. With the fed-batch operation, the average reductive rate of sulfate was 0.49mgd−1 and the sulfide concentration increased to 3.1±0.7mgL−1 in the catholyte. Sulfate removal rate and electron production rate in the continuous flow mode were 49% and 11 times higher than in the fed-batch mode. With cathode potentials from −0.6 to −1.0V, electron recovery efficiencies ranged from 5.3% to 50% with the maximum obtained at −0.8V. The maximum sulfate removal efficiency of (39±9.2)% was achieved at −0.9V. This study suggests the MEC can be a valuable alternative to remove sulfate in wastewater treatment.
Published Version
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