Unveiling optimal modes of operation for microbial fuel cell-aided dye bioremediation

Through equivalent concepts of electrochemical resistances, this first-attempt study disclosed optimal operation mode(s) of microbial fuel cells (MFCs)-assisted dye decontamination. With supplementation of energy substrate(s) and textile dye(s), internal resistances could be significantly reduced for effective electron transfer (ET) to dye decolorization (DD) and bioelectricity generation (BG). The findings indicated that increases in nutrient substrates and azo dye- reactive blue 160 would favor DD in MFC systems. According to analyses for the best contacting patterns of reacting systems, a batch or plug-flow MFC system is the most appropriate mode of operation for DD. The also suggested that continuous flow-modes of operation seem to be relatively favorable for BG. Apparently, whether DD or BG is electron-transfer dominant in MFCs directly depended on reaction order(s) of nutrient substrate and dye concentrations.