3,3' Dichlorobenzidine (DCB) represents a carcinogenic compound that was frequently used in manufacturing of textiles and dyes until 1982. This study evaluates   the viability of bioelectrochemical reduction of DCB compounds in biocathodes of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In MFCs, exoelectrogenic bacteria oxidize organics in the anode,and generate electrons that can be used to reduce oxidized contaminants in the cathode. A glass H-type reactor, utilizing DCB in a biocathode, was operated for nearly three months. The MFC produced nearly 1.08 mW/m2 while reducing DCB. The DCB concentration was reduced by nearly 23.9% within first 24 hours of operation. Impedance analysis indicated a solution resistance of 150 O, a polarization resistance of 650 O, and showed presence of two time constants.

Microbial fuel cell as a tool for chemical education

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.