title: Bioelectrochemical recovery of ammonia-copper(II) complexes from wastewater using a dual chamber microbial fuel cell.
abstract: The cathodic reduction of complex-state copper(II) was investigated in a dual chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). The inner resistance of MFC system could be reduced in the presence of ionizing NH(4)(+), however, mass transfer was hindered at higher ammonia concentration. Thermodynamic and electrochemical analyses indicated that the processes of complex dissociation and copper reduction were governed by the ratio of T[Cu]:T[NH(3)] and the pH of solution. The reduction of Cu(NH(3))(4)(2+) could be achieved via two possible pathways: (1) releasing Cu(2+) from Cu(NH(3))(4)(2+), then reducing Cu(2+) to Cu or Cu(2)O and (2) Cu(NH(3))(4)(2+) accepting an electron and forming Cu(NH(3))(2)(+), and depositing as Cu or Cu(2)O consequently. At initial concentration of 350 mg T[Cu] L(-1), copper removal efficiency of 96% was obtained at pH=9.0 within 12 h (with △Cu/△COD=1.24), 84% was obtained at pH=3.0 within 8 h (with △Cu/△COD=1.72). Cu(NH(3))(4)(2+) was reduced as polyhedral deposits on the cathode.
authors.affiliation: Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Treatment and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
authors.forename: Li-Juan
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Hu-Chun
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: Xue-Yan
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.forename: Jin-Bo
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ai-Jie
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wei-Min
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000641:Ammonia / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods; D062065:Wastewater / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000641:Ammonia; D003300:Copper; D007220:Industrial Waste; D062065:Wastewater; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical