Simultaneous processes of electricity generation and ceftriaxone sodium degradation in an air-cathode single chamber microbial fuel cell

Abstract: A single chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with an air-cathode is successfully demonstrated using glucose–ceftriaxone sodium mixtures or ceftriaxone sodium as fuel. Results show that the ceftriaxone sodium can be biodegraded and produce electricity simultaneously. Interestingly, these ceftriaxone sodium–glucose mixtures play an active role in production of electricity. The maximum power density is increased in comparison to 1000mgL−1 glucose (19Wm−3) by 495% for 50mgL−1 ceftriaxone sodium+1000mgL−1 glucose (113Wm−3), while the maximum power density is 11Wm−3 using 50mgL−1 ceftriaxone sodium as the sole fuel. Moreover, ceftriaxone sodium biodegradation rate reaches 91% within 24h using the MFC in comparison with 51% using the traditional anaerobic reactor. These results indicate that some toxic and bio-refractory organics such as antibiotic wastewater might be suitable resources for electricity generation using the MFC technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]