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Abstract
Electricity generation from readily biodegradable organic substrates accompanied by
decolorization of azo dye was investigated using a microfiltration membrane air-cathode
single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC). Batch experiment results showed that accelerated
decolorization of active brilliant red X-3B (ABRX3) was achieved in the MFC as compared
to traditional anaerobic technology. Biodegradation was the dominant mechanism of
the dye removal, and glucose was the optimal co-substrate for ABRX3 decolorization,
while acetate was the worst one. Confectionery wastewater (CW) was also shown to be
a good co-substrate for ABRX3 decolorization and a cheap fuel source for electricity
generation in the MFC. Low resistance was more favorable for dye decolorization than
high resistance. Suspended sludge (SS) should be retained in the MFC for accelerated
decolorization of ABRX3. Electricity generation was not significantly affected by
the ABRX3 at 300 mg/L, while higher concentrations inhibited electricity generation.
However, voltage can be recovered to the original level after replacement with anodic
medium not containing azo dye.