Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7082121 | Bioresource Technology | 2013 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
Microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) using cation and anion exchange membranes (CEM and AEM) were tested in batch mode for ammonium recovery. Experimental results showed superior ammonium recovery of 61% in CEM-MXC. Migration effect accounted for 61% of the total ammonium recovery in CEM-MXC where other ammonium ions (39%) were transferred by diffusion. Current density was significant for improving the recovery rate of ammonium nitrogen, but proton accumulation deteriorated current density in CEM-MXC. The dissolution of ammonia hydrolyzed by urea produces hydroxyl ions, which can neutralize protons in the anode and maintain high current density in CEM-MXC. However, anodic pH increased over 9 at high current density (>2Â A/m2) in CEM-MXC fed by urea, which indicates that the rate of ammonia dissolution becomes faster than proton accumulation rate at high current density. Balancing proton-accumulating rate with ammonia dissolution rate in the anode is significant for improving ammonium recovery in CEM-MXC.
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Authors
Sakineh Haddadi, Elsayed Elbeshbishy, Hyung-Sool Lee,