1,4-dioxane is a probable human carcinogen that often co-occurs in water contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) due to its use as solvent stabilizer. Its recalcitrance and hydrophilicity have been challenging conventional treatment technologies. Here, we examine the bioelectrochemical oxidation of 1,4-dioxane using novel tin oxide mesh electrodes in flow-through reactors coupled with microbial degradation by <i>Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans</i> CB1190, a microaerophilic bacterium that can grow on 1,4-dioxane as its sole electron donor and carbon source. Oxygen generation from water electrolysis and removal of inhibiting CVOCs substantially increases removal rates of 1,4-dioxane at potentials lower than for electrochemical oxidation alone, reducing the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as perchlorate. To establish a mechanistic understanding of the bioelectrochemical process and aid in scale-up design, qPCR analyses were performed to reveal the distribution of CB1190 and biomarker genes along the flow path. Our results establish that coupling electrochemical oxidation with aerobic biodegradation is a promising synergistic approach for the treatment of water contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Bioelectrochemical treatment of mixed 1,4-dioxane and chlorinated solvent contaminations

255th National Meeting (2018)

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