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Study on NOx removal from simulated flue gas by an electrobiofilm reactor: EDTA-ferrous regeneration and biological kinetics mechanism

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Abstract

The regeneration of EDTA-FeII is a key step in electrobiofilm reduction-integrated systems for NOx removal from industrial boiler flue gas. The current and carbon sources are proposed to be the two crucial electron donors for EDTA-FeII regeneration. These parameters strongly influence the reactivity of EDTA-FeII-generated products in the system. Therefore, their effects on EDTA-FeII-NO and EDTA-FeIII reduction and the EDTA-FeII generation mechanism were studied. The results showed that the electrobiofilm method has obvious advantages over biological or electrochemical methods used alone for EDTA-FeII regeneration. Under the optimal conditions at a current of 22.9A m−3 net cathode chamber, the rate of EDTA-FeII regeneration reached 98.35%. The glucose concentration is the primary factor influencing the reduction of both EDTA-FeII-NO and EDTA-FeIII, while the current significantly promotes both processes. Comparison of the Km values of the two substrates indicated that microbial activity was crucial to the reduction of EDTA-FeII-NO, but the biological reduction of EDTA-FeIII had a competitive influence on EDTA-FeII-NO reduction, which limited the abundance and effectiveness of the bacteria responsible for EDTA-FeII-NO reduction in the electrobiofilm system.

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Data availability

Our team always pays attention to research data sharing that would strengthen scientific integrity. All data shown in this paper are the mean values of duplicate or triplicate experiments. The confidence level was 95%, and the probability of obtaining different results was determined by the t distribution. The data used to support the findings of this study are currently under embargo while the research findings are commercialized. Requests for data, 6 months after publication of this article, will be considered to upload to the repository of FIGSHARE.

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Funding

The authors appreciate the support of the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFE0116300); Key Research Programs of Henan Educational Committee (19A610011); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51878646); the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province (182300410102); and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association, CAS (2017353).

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Contributions

Material preparation and background analysis were performed by Rui Guo and Run Chen. The manuscript specific experimental design and operation and experimental data processing were performed by Run Chen, Ying-ying Li, and Du-juan Ouyang. Data analysis was performed by Nan Liu and Ji-xiang Li. The background and experimental direction of the manuscript were performed by Wei Li and Ji-hong Zhao. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Nan Liu.

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Correspondence to Wei Li or Ji-xiang Li.

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This study is our original work, and all authors have checked on the similarity of the manuscript with Turnitin (http://www.turnitinuk.com/). We also claim that none of the material in the paper has been published before or is under consideration for publication elsewhere in any form or language (partially or in full). Results are presented clearly, honestly, and without plagiarism. The software used in this study are genuine software bought by ourselves. We will be accountable for all aspects of this work.

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Highlights

• The regeneration of EDTA-FeII is a key step in electrobiofilm reduction-integrated systems.

• The glucose concentration is the primary factor influencing the reduction of both EDTA-FeIII and EDTA-FeII-NO.

• The presence of a current significantly promotes the reduction of both substances.

• Microbial activity is crucial to the reduction of EDTA-FeII-NO.

• The biological reduction of EDTA-FeIII has a competitive influence on EDTA-FeII-NO reduction.

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Liu, N., Li, Yy., Ouyang, Dj. et al. Study on NOx removal from simulated flue gas by an electrobiofilm reactor: EDTA-ferrous regeneration and biological kinetics mechanism. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 2860–2870 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10617-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10617-2

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