Parameter optimization and mechanism of magnetic biochar-enhanced microbial electrolysis cell coupling with anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD) for treatment of landfill leachate

Abstract

Landfill leachate has a highly complex composition containing hazardous substances and refractory organic compounds, which makes its treatment challenging. In this study, a microbial electrolysis cell coupled anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD) system was constructed and integrated with magnetic biochar (MBC). The critical parameters (i.e., applied voltage, anode-to-cathode area ratio, and cathode mesh size) were systematically optimized through orthogonal experiments to investigate their impacts on chemical oxygen demand (COD), organic transformation pathways, and microbial community succession in the system. The results demonstrated a maximum COD removal efficiency of 59.7%. The optimal combination of parameters included an applied voltage of 1.2 V, an anode-to-cathode area ratio of 1:0.5, and a cathode mesh size of 200 mesh. Furthermore, spectral analysis revealed significant degradation of aromatic compounds with conjugated double bonds and humic acid-like substances, which indicated that electrochemical stimulation effectively facilitated molecular chain cleavage and enhanced microbial metabolism. Long-chain amides (such as 13-Docosenamide, (Z)-) were hydrolyzed into fatty acids and further transformed into alkanes. On the other hand, aromatic pollutants like 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol underwent progressive mineralization through hydroxylation and ring-opening reactions. Under applied voltage of 1 V, electroactive bacteria (i.e., Comamonas (22.3%) and Pseudomonas (8.1%)) in anode biofilms formed metabolic networks with fermentative bacteria (Soehngenia) and synergistically enhanced electron transfer and organic reduction with heterotrophic bacteria at the cathode. This research provides theoretical insights into optimized degradation mechanisms of MEC-AD systems and the practical feasibility of its application for landfill leachate treatment.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Landfill leachate / MEC-AD / Microbial community / Parameter optimization

Highlight

	● Optimal MEC-AD parameters: 1.2 V, 1:0.5 anode-cathode ratio, 200-mesh cathode.
	● Typical landfill leachate DOM (aromatic proteins, humic acids) effectively removed.
	● Aromatic compounds degraded through hydroxylation and ring-opening pathways.
	● Synergistic electroactive, heterotrophic, fermentative bacterial network established.

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