Long-term stability of bioelectricity generation coupled with tetrathionate disproportionation.
To prevent uncontrolled acidification of the environment, reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) can be bioelectrochemically removed from water streams. The long-term stability of bioelectricity production from tetrathionate (S4O6(2-)) was studied in highly acidic conditions (pH<2.5) in two-chamber fed-batch microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum current density was improved from previously reported 80mAm(-2) to 225mAm(-2) by optimizing the external resistance. The observed reaction products of tetrathionate disproportionation were sulfate and elemental sulfur. In long-term run, stable electricity production was obtained for over 700days with the average current density of 150mAm(-2). The internal resistance of the MFC decreased over time and no biofouling was observed. This study shows that tetrathionate is an efficient substrate also for long-term bioelectricity production.
['Sulonen|Mira L K|ML|', 'Lakaniemi|Aino-Maija|AM|', 'Kokko|Marika E|ME|', 'Puhakka|Jaakko A|JA|']
D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources D004560:Electricity D013455:Sulfur D013776:Tetrathionic Acid
Long-term stability Tetrathionate Disproportionation Microbial fuel cell Acidophile