Influences of cathode potential and carbon source on parabromoaniline degradation in microbial electrolysis cell

Abstract

A microbial electrolysis cell was established to explore the degradation characteristics of characteristic pollutants in wastewater for parabromoaniline (P‐BrA). Their effects on P‐BrA reduction and degradation were investigated through factors such as impressed voltage and cosubstrate type. The P‐BrA residue and degradation in wastewater were analysed quantitatively through analytical testing methods, such as ultraviolet–visible, cyclic voltammetry, high‐performance liquid chromatograph, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that under the cathode potential of 0.5 V, electrons and electroactive microorganisms generate coupling action to accelerate the degradation of P‐BrA, reaching 94.94%. Moreover, the addition of carbon source organisms, such as glucose and sodium acetate, can facilitate the degradation of P‐BrA in the cathode chamber on the precondition that the electroactive anaerobic microbial C/N ratio was satisfied, both reaching over 90%. In addition, the microbial community diversity and richness of bioelectrochemistry system were enhanced after bioaugmentation. The increase in the Anacrolincalcs, Betaproteobacteriales, and Micrococcales also played an important role in the granulation of bioelectrochemistry system and the removal of characteristic pollutants.