Nano zero-valent iron: A pH buffer, electron donor and activator for chain elongation

Chain elongation produce medium chain carboxylates, which are important precursors to many pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials and biofuels. Results in the presented investigations show that the supply of nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) can enhance caproate production. The highest caproate concentration achieved amounted to 27.2 mmol/ L when 5 g/L NZVI were added, which was about 100% higher than the control. The study also showed increase of ethanol oxidation and decrease of butyrate and butanol with NZVI addition. Mechanism study showed NZVI can stimulate caproate production by preventing pH to fall below 5.4 through displacement reaction. Electron balance analysis displayed that NZVI provides extra electron by promoting ethanol oxidation and its dissolution. H2 was the potential electron shuttle between NZVI and chain elongators; High throughput sequencing showed function of NZVI on reshaping of microbial communities, especially enriching Oscillibacter Marseille-P3260, a kind of chain elongator and Corynebacterium which possesses fatty acid biosynthesis and iron utilization.

Automated summary

The addition of nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) can enhance the production of caproate by preventing pH drop, while also reshaping microbial communities.