Abstract

It is generally known, that many kind of microorganisms are capable of using carbohydrates as a source of carbon and energy in an environment. The biodegradation process of monosaccharides from pentoses (in this case- racemic mixture of D - and L – xylose) is an immense opportunity for an entire reduction of biological contamination to neutral compounds through MFC. The process is occurred in a single-chamber MFC, which is contained two indispensable components- an graphite felt anode with chemical and thermal modification and gas diffusion cathode. D-xylose is one of carbohydrates, which is the easiest digestible compound for microorganisms. In MFC, the reduction of the racemate of xylose is occurred quickly with visible final effects: an increase of the cell voltage, a reduction of fuel and a decomposition of fuel inter alia to volatile fatty acids. The degradation of the racemate (used monosaccharide) is resulted in a formation of acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid and also acids, which are created in fermentation process- butyric acid and iso-butyric acid. The quantity of those acids is determined by several analysis of known concentration of the dispensed fuel. As the result of the executed experiments is determination: the ranges of rising voltage, the amount of reduced fuel and the amount of VFAs, which are produced from the determined amount of racemate of xylose.

Authors (3)