Removal of selenite from wastewater using microbial fuel cells

Abstract

Simultaneous electricity generation and selenium removal was evaluated in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with acetate and glucose as carbon sources. Power output was not affected by selenite up to 125 mg l(-1) with glucose as substrate. Coulombic efficiencies of MFCs with glucose increased from 25% to 38% at 150 mg Se l(-1). About 99% of 50 and 200 mg Se l(-1) selenite was removed in 48 and 72 h for MFCs fed with acetate and glucose, respectively, demonstrating the potential of using MFC technology for Se remediation.