Abstract

Homo-acetogens in the anode of a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) fed with H2 as sole electron donor allowed current densities similar to acetate-fed biofilm anodes (∼10A/m2). Evidence for homo-acetogens included accumulation of acetate at high concentrations (up to 18mM) in the anode compartment; detection of formate, a known intermediate during reductive acetogenesis by the acetyl-CoA pathway; and detection of formyl tetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS) genes by quantitative real-time PCR. Current production and acetate accumulation increased in parallel in batch and continuous mode, while both values decreased simultaneously at short hydraulic retention times (1h) in the anode compartment, which limited suspended homo-acetogens. Acetate produced by homo-acetogens accounted for about 88% of the current density of 10A/m2, but the current density was sustained at 4A/m2 at short hydraulic retention time because of a robust partnership of homo-acetogens and anode respiring bacteria (ARB) in the biofilm anode.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)263-271
Number of pages9
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume102
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011

Keywords

  • Biofilm anode
  • Formyl tetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS)
  • Homo-acetogens
  • Hydraulic retention time (HRT)
  • Microbial fuel cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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