Improved Fe(II) regeneration from actual ferric sludge using a biocathode with granular sludge

Ferric sludge pollution and unsustainable utilization of Fe(II) reagent were tough nuts to crack for homogeneous Fenton treatment. Previous regeneration methods are still limited by high consumption or low rate. In this work, granular was introduced into the biocathode microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), improve Fe(II)-regeneration rate from actual ferric at near neutral pH. Wastewater constituents in bioanode dual-chamber MEC used as reducing power regenerate Fe(II). flow-through biocathode, 175 ± 16 mg/L dissolved efficiently regenerated sludge. The 7.2 times higher than that previously reported biocathode. Besides, synthetic had a similar performance. Interestingly, recalcitrant organics 20 NO3–N removed 96% 100% during regeneration. biomass 12 control which Clostridium sensu stricto dominated. These findings provide insights theoretical support developing viable biotechnology platform, close gap efficient sustainable iron cycle.