Long-term stability of bioelectricity generation coupled with tetrathionate disproportionation

To prevent uncontrolled acidification of the environment, reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs) can be bioelectrochemically removed from water streams. The long-term stability of bioelectricity production from tetrathionate (S4O62−) was studied in highly acidic conditions (pH < 2.5) in two-chamber fed-batch microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum current density was improved from previously reported 80 mA m−2 to 225 mA m−2 by optimizing the external resistance. The observed reaction products of tetrathionate disproportionation were sulfate and elemental sulfur. In long-term run, stable electricity production was obtained for over 700 days with the average current density of 150 mA m−2. The internal resistance of the MFC decreased over time and no biofouling was observed. This study shows that tetrathionate is an efficient substrate also for long-term bioelectricity production.