Removal of selenite from wastewater using microbial fuel cells

Catal T., Bermek H., Liu H.

BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS, vol.31, no.8, pp.1211-1216, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10529-009-9990-8
  • Journal Name: BIOTECHNOLOGY LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1211-1216
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

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.