Interrelation between macrophytes roots and cathode in constructed wetland-microbial fuel cells: Further evidence

tiple roles in bioelectricity generation and decontaminants performance. However, the interrelation between macrophytes roots and cathode has not been fully investigated despite the fact that plant cultivation strategy is a critical issue in practice. For the first time, this study was designed to explore the interaction between macrophytes and cathode in CW-MFC by planting Cyperus altrnlifolius at relatively different positions from the cathode. The results showed that plants exhibited higher bioelectricity generation and dramatically improved pollution removal, as well as the improved richness and diversity of cathode microbes. More significantly, the relative locations between the plant roots and the cathode could lead to different cathode working patterns, while the optimal cathode pattern plant rootassisted bio- & air-cathode was formed when the plant roots are directly placed on the air-cathode layer in CWMFC. The insight into the plant root and cathode relationship lies in whether the multi-function cathode can be established. This study contributes to increase the knowledge regarding the presence and behavior of plant roots and cathode throughout a CW-MFC system.

Automated summary

This study investigates the interaction between plant roots and cathode in constructed wetland microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) and examines the effect of different root placement on cathode performance and microbial communities. The results demonstrate that plant roots can enhance bioelectricity generation and pollution removal in CW-MFC, and the relative locations between roots and cathode can affect cathode working patterns.