Limitation of voltage reversal in the degradation of azo dye by a stacked double-anode microbial fuel cell and characterization of the microbial community structure

In this study, two double-anode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were connected in series for degradation of the azo dye reactive brilliant red X-3B. After the series connection, the electricity generation of one of the MFCs decreased, and the other was not affected too much. Due to the special structure in the double-anode MFC reduced the imbalanced performance between the MFC units, the occurrence of voltage reversal was limited. The removal efficiencies in two MFC reactors were not consistent after the series connection, the results showed that the MFC with the reduced electricity generation had the higher removal efficiencies, it was 12.90, 11.66, and 40.05% higher than in the MFC in which the power generation capacity was not affected after the series connection, the MFC without serial connection, and the control group, respectively. Meanwhile, the microbial communities related to the degradation of refractory organic compounds increased and related to electricity generation decreased in the MFC with the reduced electricity generation, the changes of the microbial communities were consistent with its electricity generation and the removal efficiencies. The degradation products in the effluent from two MFC units showed that had the products generated from the MFC with the reduced electricity generation had simpler structures comparing the other MFC unit. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

After connecting two double-anode microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in series, one MFC experienced decreased electricity generation, while the other was minimally affected. The removal efficiencies varied between the two MFC reactors, with the MFC that generated less power showing higher removal efficiencies. Changes in microbial communities were observed, with an increase in communities related to the degradation of refractory organic compounds and a decrease in communities related to electricity generation in the MFC with reduced electricity generation.