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This study evaluates a recirculatory MDC-MEC coupled system for simultaneous heavy metal removal (Fe²⁺, Pb²⁺) and ammonium desalination. Single-chambered MEC (SCMEC) achieved superior heavy metal removal (74.61% Pb²⁺, 85.05% Fe²⁺) through combined microbial biosorption and cathodic reduction, while dual-chambered MEC (DCMEC) generated higher current density (753.62 mA/m²) enabling greater desalination (29.09% vs 18.34%). The MDC with ferricyanide catholyte produced 627 mV, powering both MEC configurations within a 48-h fed-batch cycle with stable pH and conductivity.

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What they did

System
MEC

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Abstract

The recirculatory microbial desalination cell-microbial electrolysis cell (MDC-MEC) coupled system is a novel technology that generates power, treats wastewater, and supports desalination through eco-friendly processes. This study focuses on the simultaneous efficient removal of Fe2+ and Pb2+ in the MEC and ammonium ions in the MDC. It also evaluates the performances of dual-chambered MEC (DCMEC) and single-chambered MEC (SCMEC), coupled with MDC with Ferricyanide as catholyte (MDCF) in heavy metals (Pb2+ and Fe2+) removal, in addition to the production of voltage, current, and power within a 48-h cycle. The SCMEC has a higher Pb2+ (74.61%) and Fe2+ (85.05%) removal efficiency during the 48-h cycle than the DCMEC due to the simultaneous use of microbial biosorption and the cathodic reduction potential. The DCMEC had a higher current density of 753.62 mAm-2 than that of SCMEC, i.e., 463.77 mAm-2, which influences higher desalination in the MDCF than in the SCMEC within the 48-h cycle. The MDCF produces a higher voltage (627 mV) than Control 1, MDC (505 mV), as a power source to the two MECs. Stable electrolytes' pH and conductivities provide a conducive operation of the coupled system. This study lays a solid background for the type of MDC-MEC coupled systems needed for industrial scale-up.

Keywords

DesalinationMicrobial electrolysis cellElectrolysisElectrolytic cellPulp and paper industrySewage treatment

Identifiers

DOI
10.3390/membranes11090661
PubMed
34564478
Journal
Membranes
Year
2021