Simultaneous fermentation of cellulose and current production with an enriched mixed culture of thermophilic bacteria in a microbial electrolysis cell.

ABSTRACT: An enriched mixed culture of thermophilic (60°C) bacteria was assembled for the purpose of using cellulose to produce current in thermophilic microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Cellulose was fermented into sugars and acids before being consumed by anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) for current production. Current densities (j) were sustained at 6.5 ± 0.2 A m^-2 in duplicate reactors with a coulombic efficiency (CE) of 84 ± 0.3%, a coulombic recovery (CR) of 54 ± 11% and without production of CH₄ . Low-scan rate cyclic voltammetry (LSCV) revealed a mid-point potential (E_ka ) of -0.17 V versus SHE. Pyrosequencing analysis of the V4 hypervariable region of 16S rDNA and scanning electron microscopy present an enriched thermophilic microbial community consisting ma

SUBMITTER: Lusk BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5743814 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature