Abstract
A novel microbial fuel cell (MFC) was developed to enhance simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) by employing electrons from the anode. The cathode chamber of the reactor consisted of a membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) which was made of an electroconductivity aerated membrane. The maximum power density of 4.20±0.12Wm−3 was obtained at a current density of 4.10±0.11Am−2 (external resistance=10Ω). Compared with an open-circuit system, the removal rates of NH4+-N and TN were improved by 9.48±0.33% and 19.80±0.84%, respectively, which could be ascribed to the electrochemical denitrification. The anode (chemical oxygen demand, COD) and cathode (NO3−) chambers reached the maximum coulombic efficiencies (CEs) of 40.67±1.05% and 42.84±1.14%, respectively. It suggested that the electroconductivity MABR has some advantages in controlling aeration intensity, thus improving SND and CEs. Overall, EAM-MFC could successfully generate electricity from wastewater whilst showing high capacity for removing nitrogen at a low COD/N ratio of 2.8±0.07gCODg−1N.
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