Attempt of performance upgrade of microbial fuel cells equipped with denitrifying bio-cathodes and applicability to nitrogen removal

实验研究了缺氧条件下配备生物阴极的微生物燃料电池（MFC）的基本特性。根据实验结果，讨论了阴极反应的特点、阴极生物膜中的微生物群落、操作条件和电极结构对MFC性能的影响。阴极上硝酸盐的生物还原速率是微生物燃料电池发电的限速步骤。以石墨填充床为电极的MFC产电能力达到730 mW/m3，阳极室降解有机物（乙酸盐），阴极室反硝化。在阴极生物膜中，主要检测到自养硝化细菌如副球菌。

Fundamental characteristics of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) equipped with denitrifying biocathodes under anoxic condition were experimentally investigated. The characteristics of cathodic reaction, microbial community in cathodic biofilm, the effects of operational condition and electrode configuration on MFC performance were discussed on the basis of the experimental results obtained. Biological nitrate reduction rate on cathode was rate-limiting step for power generation in the MFC equipped with denitrifying biocathodes. The power generation of MFC using a packed bed of granular graphite as electrodes reached 730mW/m3 with organic matter (acetate) degradation in anode compartment and denitrification in cathode compartment. In cathodic biofilm, autotrophic denitrifying bacteria such as Paracoccus denitrificans were predominantly detected.