Work

Bioelectrochemical hybrid system integrating anodic biofilm and cathodic Fenton into a microbial fuel cell for multifunctional treatment of azo dye wastewater

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study explored the performance of a hybrid bioelectrochemical system integrating an anodic biofilm (ABF) with a cathodic bio-electro-Fenton (BEF) process within a microbial fuel cell (MFC) for the removal of the azo dye Remazol Brilliant Violet 5R (RBV-5R). Three operational strategies were tested by varying the RBV-5R/NaAc ratios and hydraulic retention times (HRTs). HRTs of 2, 4, and 6 h were applied to both anodic and cathodic chambers, whereas an extended 12 h HRT was examined for the BEF stage. Optimal conditions (20 mg L-1 RBV-5R, 0.25 g L-1 NaAc, 6 h/12 h HRTs in ABF/BEF) yielded a power density of 73.3 mW m-2, 12.3 ± 0.2 mg L-1 residual H2O2, and Coulombic and Faradaic efficiencies of 8.34 ± 0.23% and 6.03 ± 0.20%, respectively. Removals of color, COD, and aromatic compounds reached 99.8 ± 0.1%, 79.6 ± 0.3%, and 78.7 ± 1.0%, respectively. Phytotoxicity assays revealed a marked reduction in effluent toxicity after pH neutralization, while microbial community analysis showed positive correlations between RBV-5R degradation and the relative abundance of Soehngenia and members of the family_Rhizobiaceae. Collectively, these results confirm that the acclimated ABF+BEF system provides a robust and energy-efficient platform for sustainable treatment of textile azo dye wastewater.

Source: Bioresource Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134149

Authors: Carlos Eduardo Lach, Daniele Damasceno Silveira, Tiago José Belli, Flávio Rubens Lapolli, María Ángeles Lobo-Recio

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Fuel Cells and Bioremediation

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,880