Abstract

REVELO, Dolly M; HURTADO, Nelson H; RUIZ, Jaime O  and  LOPEZ, Stefanía. Using Native Microorganisms for the Simultaneous Removal of Organic Matter and Cr(VI) in a Biocathode Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Inf. tecnol. [online]. 2015, vol.26, n.6, pp.77-88. ISSN 0718-0764.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-07642015000600010.

Using a biocathode microbial fuel cell formed by graphite electrodes submerged in the anodic and cathodic chambers separated by a salt bridge, it was possible to reduce hexavalent chromium, degrade organic matter and generate electricity. Sulfidogenic sludge or Pasto river water contaminated with industrial waste from tanneries was employed as source of microorganisms for the cathode. The best experimental condition for simultaneously removing organic matter and chromium occurs during the first cycle of operation of the cell, using Pasto river water contaminated as inoculum and the lowest glucose concentration (0.05 M), achieving 97.9% of organic matter removal, 86.3% of chromium and a coulombic efficiency of 0.92%. This study represents a contribution for improving the performance of a biocathode cell and it provides the tools for bioremediation processes in systems contaminated with chromium and organic matter.

Keywords : microbial fuel cell; biocathod; hexavalent chromium; organic matter; bioremediation.

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