Sub-toxic concentrations of volatile organic compounds inhibit extracellular respiration of Escherichia coli cells grown in anodic bioelectrochemical systems

Mohidin, Abeed Fatima; Grasso, Letizia Lo; Seviour, Thomas; Palanisamy, Kannan; Hinks, Jamie; Lauro, Federico M.; Marsili, Enrico; Santoro, Carlo

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier B.V. Low-cost and rapid detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is important for the control of water quality of used water and protection of downstream used water treatment processes. In this work, the effect of sub-toxic concentration of VOCs on the current output of Escherichia coli in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) is shown, in light of environmental sensing applications for sewage and used water networks. E. coli cells were grown on carbon felt electrodes in artificial used water, to increase sensitivity and decrease response time for detection. Extracellular electron transfer was promoted by the addition of a biocompatible redox mediator, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (HNQ). Among the eight VOCs investigated, toluene is the most toxic to E. coli, with a detection limit of 50±2mgL−1 and current output of 32±1nAmg−1L−1. This work offers a straightforward route to enhance the detection of organic contaminants in used water for environmental applications.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 17, 2016
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Apr 24, 2018
• Journal: Bioelectrochemistry
• Print ISSN: 1567-5394
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-562X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 112
• Pages: 173-177
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.02.003
• Keywords: VOC, escherichia coli, amperometric biosensor, biofilm
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/914039
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.02.003
• Contract Date: Apr 24, 2018