Generation of Power by Microbial Fuel Cell with Ferricyanide in Biodegradation of Benzene

The power generation potential of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) during the process of benzene biodegradation with potassium ferricyanide (0200mM) as the terminal electron acceptor was evaluated. Experimental results demonstrate that benzene was used as the sole carbon source in generating electricity by a mixed culture. The power density increased from 0.0276 to 2.1mWm2 as the concentration of potassium ferricyanide in the cathode chamber was increased from 0 to 200mM. With a benzene concentration of 10.87mgL1 and a potassium ferricyanide concentration of between 0 and 150mM, complete degradation of benzene was achieved in 2224.5h. However, when the concentration of potassium ferricyanide was raised to 200mM, the time required for complete benzene degradation was prolonged to 35h. The results of this investigation can be used as a basis for future assessments of the power generation capacity of MFCs that are used to treat benzene-contaminated wastewater.