Performance and mechanism of cathodic treatment of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol contaminated wastewater in microbial electrolysis cells

LIU Jing; YANG Xiaoling; LUO Cui; ZHOU Zhongmin; LIANG Yifu; GUO Qin; HUANG Donggen

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202602005

Volume 44 Issue 2

Feb. 2026

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING > 2026 > 44(2): 40-49

LIU Jing, YANG Xiaoling, LUO Cui, ZHOU Zhongmin, LIANG Yifu, GUO Qin, HUANG Donggen. Performance and mechanism of cathodic treatment of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol contaminated wastewater in microbial electrolysis cells[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2026, 44(2): 40-49. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202602005

Citation:

LIU Jing, YANG Xiaoling, LUO Cui, ZHOU Zhongmin, LIANG Yifu, GUO Qin, HUANG Donggen. Performance and mechanism of cathodic treatment of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol contaminated wastewater in microbial electrolysis cells[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2026, 44(2): 40-49. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202602005

Citation:

LIU Jing, YANG Xiaoling, LUO Cui, ZHOU Zhongmin, LIANG Yifu, GUO Qin, HUANG Donggen. Performance and mechanism of cathodic treatment of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol contaminated wastewater in microbial electrolysis cells[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2026, 44(2): 40-49. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202602005

PDF( 1568 KB)

Performance and mechanism of cathodic treatment of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol contaminated wastewater in microbial electrolysis cells

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202602005

1. School of Resources and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
2. School of Foreign Languages, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang 330032, China;
3. Jiangxi Provincial Transportation Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanchang 330052, China

Received Date: 2025-02-26
Available Online: 2026-04-11
Publish Date: 2026-02-01

Abstract

Abstract

2-Chloro-4-nitrophenol （2C4NP） is a typical chloronitrophenol （CNPs）， characterized by persistence and high environmental toxicity. Currently， research on the degradation of 2C4NP by microbial electrolysis cells （MECs） is still limited， and the degradation mechanism remains unclear. In this study， a two-chamber MECs was constructed to systematically investigate the effects of external voltage， initial concentration of 2C4NP， and co-substrate types on the cathodic degradation of 2C4NP. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） was used to analyze the microbial morphology， and high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）， ion chromatography （IC）， and LC/MS/MS were employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 2C4NP and its degradation intermediates， thereby elucidating the mechanism of 2C4NP degradation at the MECs cathode. Results showed that the application of an appropriate external voltage significantly promoted the degradation of 2C4NP. The initial concentration of 2C4NP had a significant impact on the degradation rate， and the degradation process followed different reaction kinetics under different co-substrate conditions. Under the optimal conditions （external voltage of 0.5 V， co-substrate of glucose， and initial concentration of 2C4NP at 30 mg/L）， the 72 h removal rate and dechlorination rate of 2C4NP reached 96.77% and 67.74%， respectively. SEM analysis revealed that microorganisms on the cathode surface aggregated， enhancing electron transfer efficiency among microorganisms and providing a basis for efficient degradation. HPLC， IC， and LC/MS/MS analyses indicated that the degradation of 2C4NP produced intermediate products such as 4-nitrophenol， paracetamol， and 2-chlorophenol. The partially removed chlorine and nitrogen were detected as Cl^- and NO₃^-. These results suggest that the degradation of 2C4NP in the MEC cathode chamber mainly occurs through reductive dechlorination and denitration reactions.
- microbial electrolysis cells,
- biocathode,
- 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol,
- wastewater treatment,
- degradation mechanism

FullText(HTML)

References(37)

References

[1]	ARORA P K，SRIVASTAVA A，GARG S K，et al. Recent advances in degradation of chloronitrophenols［J］. Bioresource Technology，2018，250:902-909.
[2]	ARORA P K，SRIVASTAVA A，SINGH V P. Bacterial degradation of nitrophenols and their derivatives［J］. Journal of Hazardous Materials，2014，266:42-59.
[3]	MIN J，CHEN W W，LI J D，et al. Microbial degradation of nitroaromatics and their halogenated derivatives［J］. Acta Microbiologica Sinica，2020，60（12）:2816-2835. 闵军，陈卫卫，李俊德，等. 微生物降解硝基芳烃及其卤代衍生物的研究进展［J］. 微生物学报，2020，60（12）:2816-2835.
[4]	ARORA P，SASIKALA C，RAMANA C. Degradation of chlorinated nitroaromatic compounds［J］. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology，2012，93（6）:2265-2277.
[5]	MIN J，XU L，FANG S，et al. Microbial degradation kinetics and molecular mechanism of 2，6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol by a Cupriavidus strain［J］. Environmental Pollution（Barking，Essex:1987），2020，258:113703.
[6]	TIWARI J，NAOGHARE P，SIVANESAN S，et al. Biodegradation and detoxification of chloronitroaromatic pollutant by Cupriavidus［J］. Bioresource Technology，2017，223:184-191.
[7]	ZUO Y L，ZHANG K，LIU R，et al. Isolation，identification and degradation condition optimization of dibenzothiophene-degrading strain ZYL-1［J］. Environmental Engineering，2023，41（S2）:712-718. 左一琳，张奎，刘蕊，等. 二苯并噻吩降解菌 ZYL-1 的筛选、鉴定及降解条件优化［J］. 环境工程，2023，41（增刊2）:712-718.
[8]	KE Z，LAN M，YANG T，et al. A two-component monooxygenase for continuous denitration and dechlorination of chlorinated 4-nitrophenol in Ensifer sp. strain 22-1［J］. Environmental Research，2021，198:111216.
[9]	KONG W，LI Y，ZHANG Y，et al. Enhanced degradation of refractory organics by bioelectrochemical systems:a review［J］. Journal of Cleaner Production，2023，423:138759.
[10]	YANG K，ZHAO Y，JI M，et al. Challenges and opportunities for the biodegradation of chlorophenols:aerobic，anaerobic and bioelectrochemical processes［J］. Water Research，2021，193:116862.
[11]	POURSAT B A J，REMPE F，PEREIRA J，et al. Unravelling the mechanisms of organic micropollutant removal in bio-electrochemical systems:insights into sorption，electrochemical degradation，and biodegradation processes［J］. Science of the Total Environment，2024，945:173932.
[12]	LI P，JIN A，LIANG Y，et al. Biocathode-anode cascade system in PRB:efficient degradation of p-chloronitrobenzene in groundwater［J］. Water Research，2024，266:122359.
[13]	FANG Y K，SUN Q，FANG P H，et al. Integrated constructed wetland and bioelectrochemistry system approach for simultaneous enhancement of p-chloronitrobenzene and nitrogen transformations performance［J］. Water Research，2022，217:118433.
[14]	CAO Z P，LI L，WU X X，et al. Electric-assisted microbial transformation process and mechanism of 4-chloronitrobenzene［J］. Journal of Tiangong University，2020，39（3）:48-53. 曹占平，李岚，武鑫霞，等. 4-氯硝基苯的电辅助微生物转化机制［J］. 天津工业大学学报，2020，39（3）:48-53.
[15]	ZHOU Y，YANG C. Degradation of 4-chloronitrobenzene by bioelectrochemical system［J］. Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress，2018，37（1）:375-380. 周亚，杨春. 生物电化学系统对 4-氯硝基苯的降解［J］. 化工进展，2018，37（1）:375-380.
[16]	CHEN L，SHAO J，CHEN H，et al. Cathode potential regulation in a coupled bioelectrode-anaerobic sludge system for effective dechlorination of 2，4-dichloronitrobenzene［J］. Bioresource Technology，2018，254:180-186.
[17]	JIANG X，SHEN J，HAN Y，et al. Efficient nitro reduction and dechlorination of 2，4-dinitrochlorobenzene through the integration of bioelectrochemical system into upflow anaerobic sludge blanket:a comprehensive study［J］. Water Research，2016，88:257-265.
[18]	YU Y，NDAYISENGA F，YU Z，et al. Co-substrate strategy for improved power production and chlorophenol degradation in a microbial fuel cell［J］. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy，2019，44（36）:20312-20322.
[19]	LUO C. Effect and mechanism of microbial electrochemical coupling on degradation of 2-Chloro-4-Nitrophenol［D］. Nanchang:Nanchang University，2018. 罗萃. 微生物电化学耦合降解 2-氯-4-硝基苯酚的效能和机制［D］. 南昌:南昌大学，2018.
[20]	AILIJIANG N，CHANG J，LIANG P，et al. Impact of electrical stimulation modes on the degradation of refractory phenolics and the analysis of microbial communities in an anaerobic-aerobic-coupled upflow bioelectrochemical reactor［J］. Bioresource Technology，2021，320（Pt B）:124371.
[21]	WANG X Y，XING D F，REN N Q. Effect of carbon source on p-nitrophenol degradation and biocathode community structure in bioelectrochemical system［J］. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae，2020，40（10）:3703-3709. 王欣宇，邢德峰，任南琪. 碳源对生物阴极降解对硝基苯酚效能及生物阴极群落结构分析［J］. 环境科学学报，2020，40（10）:3703-3709.
[22]	LIU D，LEI L，YANG B，et al. Direct electron transfer from electrode to electrochemically active bacteria in a bioelectrochemical dechlorination system［J］. Bioresource Technology，2013，148:9-14.
[23]	LI H，ZHOU L，LIN H，et al. Dynamic response of biofilm microbial ecology to para-chloronitrobenzene biodegradation in a hydrogen-based，denitrifying and sulfate-reducing membrane biofilm reactor［J］. Science of the Total Environment，2018，643:842-849.
[24]	SHE Z，GAO M，JIN C，et al. Toxicity and biodegradation of 2，4-dinitrophenol and 3-nitrophenol in anaerobic systems［J］. Process Biochemistry，2005，40（9）:3017-3024.
[25]	LIU N，QIN Y T，WU G Y，et al. Effect of compound co-substrates on decolorization performance and community structure of bacterial flora［J］. Environmental Science and Technology，2021，44（4）:9-15. 刘娜，秦祎婷，吴根英，等. 复合共基质对菌群脱色性能及群落结构的影响［J］. 环境科学与技术，2021，44（4）:9-15.
[26]	YU Y W，WU J H，LI D Y. Effects of carbon sources and electron acceptors on the anaerobic degradation of para-chloronitrobenzene［J］. Environmental Protection Science，2015，41（1）:70-74. 于延伟，吴锦华，李冬昱. 碳源及电子受体对厌氧微生物降解对氯硝基苯的影响［J］. 环境保护科学，2015，41（1）:70-74.
[27]	CAI M H，TIAN Y C，LI A M，et al. Co-substrate promoting the biodegradation of refractory DOM in semi-coking wastewater:DOM evolution and microbial community［J］. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering，2023，11（1）:109043.
[28]	LIANG D D. Microbial electrochemical technology and process mechanism of nitrate removal in electron-donor-deficient water［D］. Harbin:Harbin Institute of Technology，2022. 梁丹丹. 贫电子供体水中硝酸盐的生物电化学去除技术及过程机制［D］. 哈尔滨:哈尔滨工业大学，2022.
[29]	ZHAO C，SHANG D，ZOU Y，et al. Changes in electricity production and microbial community evolution in constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell exposed to wastewater containing Pb（II）［J］. Science of the Total Environment，2020，732:139127.
[30]	HOU R，LUO C，ZHOU S，et al. Anode potential-dependent protection of electroactive biofilms against metal ion shock via regulating extracellular polymeric substances［J］. Water Research，2020，178:115845.
[31]	LING W，WANG J R，YU H M，et al. Removal of florfenicol from simulated marine aquaculture wastewater by catalytic ozonation［J］. Environmental Engineering，2019，37（10）:139-144. 凌威，王晶日，于洪淼，等. 催化臭氧氧化去除模拟海产养殖废水中氟苯尼考［J］. 环境工程，2019，37（10）:139-144.
[32]	GUO W Q. Reduction of 4-chloronitrobenzene in a bioelectrochemical reactor with biocathode at ambient temperature for a long-term operation［J］. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers，2015，46:119-124.
[33]	LIN H Z. Enhanced transformation and degradation of chlorinated nitroaromatics by integrated zero-valent iron and microbiological treatment system［D］. Hangzhou:Zhejiang University，2012. 林海转. 零价铁与微生物耦合强化含氯含硝基芳烃类污染物转化和降解研究［D］. 杭州:浙江大学，2012.
[34]	ARORA P K，JAIN R K. Metabolism of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol in a gram negative bacterium，Burkholderia sp. RKJ 800［J］. PLoS ONE，2012，7（6）:e38676.
[35]	SPONZA D T，KUSCU Ö S. Relationships between acute toxicities of para-nitrophenol（p-NP）and nitrobenzene（NB）to Daphnia magna and Photobacterium phosphoreum:physicochemical properties and metabolites under anaerobic/aerobic sequences［J］. Journal of Hazardous Materials，2011，185（2/3）:1187-1197.
[36]	GUAN J N，WANG W W，YUAN Y，et al. Construction of highly active biofilm anode and its simultaneous electricity generation and degradation of 2，4，6-trichlorophenol［J］. Acta Scientiae Circumstantiae，2022，42（6）:52-62. 关久念，王威威，袁媛，等. 电活性生物膜阳极构建及其对 2，4，6-三氯酚同步降解和产电［J］. 环境科学学报，2022，42（6）:52-62.
[37]	TOMEI M C，MOSCA A D，CLAGNANI E，et al. Anaerobic biodegradation of phenol in wastewater treatment:achievements and limits［J］. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology，2021，105（6）:2195-2224.