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Microbial community dynamics in two‐chambered microbial fuel cells: effect of different ion exchange membranes
Author(s) -
Sotres Ana,
DíazMarcos Jordi,
Guivernau Miriam,
Illa Josep,
Magrí Albert,
PrenafetaBoldú Francesc Xavier,
Bonmatí August,
Viñas Marc
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.4465
Subject(s) - microbial fuel cell , archaea , membrane , microbial population biology , nafion , bacteroidetes , proteobacteria , biology , chemistry , biophysics , biochemistry , anode , bacteria , electrochemistry , electrode , genetics , 16s ribosomal rna , gene
BACKGROUND The utilization of different kinds of ion exchange membrane is a common practice in bioelectrochemical systems such as two‐chambered microbial fuel cells ( MFCs ). However, little is known about the effect of membrane materials on the anodic microbial community diversity. RESULTS The effect of two cationic and one anionic exchange membranes (Nafion N‐117, Ultrex CMI ‐7000, and Ultrex AMI ‐7000) on the microbial community dynamics of Eubacteria and Archaea has been assessed in two‐chambered MFCs . The experimental results indicated that the eubacterial community in the anodic chamber was not affected by the membrane materials, being predominantly populations of Bacteroidetes ( Porphyromonadaceae ) and β‐proteobacteria ( Alcaligenaceae and Comamonadaceae ). On the other hand, the archaeal counterpart appears to be highly dependent on the type of membrane used, as was evidenced by the selective enrichment of Methanosarcina sp. in the MFC equipped with the membrane Nafion N‐117 which was the MFC that showed the highest current production. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study suggest that membrane materials affect archaeal diversity whereas both anodofilic eubacteria and methanogenic archaea populations could play an important role in the overall MFC process performance. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry