AN EVALUATION OF TWO CATHODE MATERIALS AND THE IMPACT OF COPPER ON BIOELECTROCHEMICAL DENITRIFICATION

The denitrification efficiency of two types of cathode material (stainless-steel rods wrapped with stainless-steel mesh, and graphite rods wrapped with polypropylene mesh) used as attachment media for a mixed culture of denitrifying microorganisms was evaluated. Statistical analysis showed that the difference in performance of the two types of biologically active cathodes was insignificant. Exposure of the biologically active cathodes to copper inhibited the attached microorganisms and had a statistically significant reduction in denitrification efficiency. Statistical comparisons between the biological tests and the abiotic tests confirmed that denitrification was induced biologically. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved