Long-term stability of bioelectricity generation coupled with tetrathionate disproportionation.
To prevent uncontrolled acidification of the environment, reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) can be bioelectrochemically removed from water streams. The long-term stability of bioelectricity production from tetrathionate (S4O6(2-)) was studied in highly acidic conditions (pH<2.5) in two-chamber fed-batch microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum current density was improved from previously reported 80mAm(-2) to 225mAm(-2) by optimizing the external resistance. The observed reaction products of tetrathionate disproportionation were sulfate and elemental sulfur. In long-term run, stable electricity production was obtained for over 700days with the average current density of 150mAm(-2). The internal resistance of the MFC decreased over time and no biofouling was observed. This study shows that tetrathionate is an efficient substrate also for long-term bioelectricity production.
Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland. Electronic address: mira.sulonen@tut.fi.
Mira L K
ML
Sulonen
Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland.
Aino-Maija
AM
Lakaniemi
Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland.
Marika E
ME
Kokko
Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland.
Jaakko A
JA
Puhakka
D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D004560:Electricity; D013455:Sulfur / Q000737:chemistry; D013776:Tetrathionic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*
D013455:Sulfur; D013776:Tetrathionic Acid
Acidophile; Disproportionation; Long-term stability; Microbial fuel cell; Tetrathionate