[Bio-electrochemical effect on hydrogenotrophic sulfate reduction stimulated by electrical field in the presence of H2 under atmospheric pressure].
Microbial sulfate reduction rate is limited with H2 as electron donor. In order to improve hydrogenotrophic sulfate reduction under normal atmospheric H2 pressure, a bio-electrochemical system with direct current was designed and performed in this study. Results indicates that sulfate reduction rate (SRR) increases with the augment of current intensity under lower current intensity (I < or = 1.50 mA). When optimum current intensity of 1.50 mA is applied, the SRR is 1.7 to 2.1 times higher than that of the control reactor. The synergistic effect of electrochemistry and microbiology on sulfate reduction varies at different current intensity. Under the condition of I < or = 1.50 mA, the most probable mechanism of SRR increase is that electric or magnetic field stimulates the proliferation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and the activity of the enzymes. When I is higher than 1.50 mA, the activity of SRB is inhibited, resulting in lower reduction rate compared with that at lower current. If controlling the cathode potential lower than -0.69 V and H2 partial pressure 1.01 x 10(5) Pa, electro-catalytic sulfate reduction process takes place with H2 as reductant in this bio-electrochemical system. However, the overall reduction rate is still lower than that when I = 1.50 mA is applied, and additionally the energy consumption is much higher. Therefore, electric field of low intensity can enhance hydrogenotrophic sulfate reduction in the presence of H2 under atmospheric pressure.
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science & Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. xuhw04@mails.thu.edu.cn
Hui-Wei
HW
Xu
Xu
X
Zhang
Shan-Shan
SS
Yang
Guang-He
GH
Li
D019149:Bioreactors; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D011312:Pressure; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism*; D016999:Sulfur-Reducing Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D013431:Sulfates; D006859:Hydrogen