Influences of cathode potential and carbon source on parabromoaniline degradation in microbial electrolysis cell

A microbial electrolysis cell was established to explore the degradation characteristics of characteristic pollutants in wastewater for parabromoaniline (P-BrA). Their effects on P-BrA reduction and degradation were investigated through factors such as impressed voltage and cosubstrate type. The P-BrA residue and degradation in wastewater were analysed quantitatively through analytical testing methods, such as ultraviolet–visible, cyclic voltammetry, high-performance liquid chromatograph, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that under the cathode potential of 0.5 V, electrons and electroactive microorganisms generate coupling action to accelerate the degradation of P-BrA, reaching 94.94%. Moreover, the addition of carbon source organisms, such as glucose and sodium acetate, can facilitate the degradation of P-BrA in the cathode chamber on the precondition that the electroactive anaerobic microbial C/N ratio was satisfied, both reaching over 90%. In addition, the microbial community diversity and richness of bioelectrochemistry system were enhanced after bioaugmentation. The increase in the Anacrolincalcs , Betaproteobacteriales , and Micrococcales also played an important role in the granulation of bioelectrochemistry system and the removal of characteristic pollutants.