An algal assisted constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell integrated with sand filter for efficient wastewater treatment and electricity production

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2021-01, Vol.263, p.128132, Article 128132
• Main Authors: Gupta, Supriya, Nayak, Ankita, Roy, Chandrima, Yadav, Asheesh Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algae assisted cathode; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell; Electricity; Electrodes; Nitrification-denitrification; Sand; Sand filter; Simultaneous treatment; Waste Water; Water Purification; Wetlands
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128132

In this study we report on a three-stage design of algal assisted constructed wetland -microbial fuel cell incorporated sand filter for efficient treatment of wastewater and bioelectricity generation, simulating a core of it. It aims for the complete removal of organic matter and other inorganic pollutants such as NO3−, NH4+ and PO43−. The conductive material equipped anode region of constructed wetland (CW) performed better for organic removal, and the system efficiently removed COD up to 96.37 ± 2.6%. The algal biomass passively aerated the cathode region and resulted in efficient removal of 85.14 ± 10.73% of NH4+ and 69.03 ± 10.14% of PO43−. The additional sand filter provided anaerobic situation favorable for removal of NO3− up to 68.41 ± 7.63%. The maximum power and current densities achieved in the system were 33.14 mW m−3 and 235.0 mA m−3, respectively. [Display omitted] •Realistic three-stage design of algal assisted CW-MFC integrated with sand filter.•Electron conductive materials in anaerobic condition prompt the oxidation of pollutants.•The algal cathode attributed to nutrients uptake.•Synergistic single system approach to treat organic and nutrient pollutants.