Abstract
Three-dimensional biofilm electrode reactors (3D-BERs) were constructed to degrade the azo dye Reactive Brilliant Red (RBR) X-3B. The 3D-BERs with different influent concentrations and external voltages were individually studied to investigate their influence on the removal of X-3B. Experimental results showed that 3D-BERs have good X-3B removal efficiency; even when the influent concentration was 800 mg/L, removal efficiency of 73.4% was still achieved. In addition, the X-3B removal efficiency stabilized shortly after the influent concentration increased. In 3D-BERs, the average X-3B removal efficiency increased from 52.8% to 85.4% when the external voltage rose from 0 to 2 V. We further identified the intermediate products via UV-Vis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, and discussed the potential mechanism of degradation. After the conjugate structure of X-3B was destroyed, all of the substances generated mainly consisted of lower-molecular-weight organics.
Highlights
Biofilm electrode reactors (BERs) have been studied by various researchers as an effective means of removing pollutants in wastewater treatment processes [1,2,3,4]
We investigated the influence of different influent concentrations on 3D-BER X-3B removal efficiency
The average X-3B removal efficiencies decreased with increasing influent concentration in both the experimental and control groups, the experimental group maintained a good removal efficiency even when the influent concentration was 800 mg/L
Summary
Biofilm electrode reactors (BERs) have been studied by various researchers as an effective means of removing pollutants in wastewater treatment processes [1,2,3,4] In such applications, water electrolysis produces hydrogen gas (H2 ), which can be utilized by microorganisms on the surface of the cathode as an electron donor [5]. Azo dyes, which contain one or more –N=N– groups [11], are widely used in the cosmetic, varnish, textile, and paper industries [12] They are very stable in the environment and difficult to degrade through conventional aerobic treatment processes [13,14]. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to analyze the effluent of the cathode and anode in the 3D-BER to explore possible degradation products and pathways
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