Removal of High Concentrations of Phenol in Dual Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell

Microbial fuel cell is one of the sustainable development technologies that can be used simultaneously for removal of many pollutants and generate electricity. The aim of this study was to determine the removal rate of high concentrations of phenol in a microbial fuel cell.

A dual chamber microbial fuel cell having Nafion proton exchange membrane and carbon cloth as anode and cathode was fabricated and operated in batch mode in incubator at 30°C for 12 weeks. Anode was put in anaerobic chamber containing minimum growth medium and phenol (50-1000ppm) was added as the sole carbon source. Phenol degrading bacterial seed that was supplied by wastewater treatment plant of Tehran Petroleum Refinery was adapted to phenol and used in anaerobic anode chamber. Cathode was put in aerobic chamber containing phosphate buffer. Concentration of remained phenol in different times was analyzed by HPLC method.

Maximum amount of phenol degradation occurred in the first 24h of each run. Phenol concentrations up to 800 ppm were completely removed during 96 h, but time to complete removal of 1000 ppm phenol was 120h.

By using sludge from wastewater treatment plant of oil refinery adapted to phenol in a microbial fuel cell, it is possible to remove 1000 ppm phenol.