The effect of electricity on 2–fluoroaniline removal in a bioelectrochemically assisted microbial system (BEAMS)

Highlights: • An bioelectrochemically assisted microbial system was developed for treating 2-fluoroaniline. • The system significantly increased the removal and mineralization of 2-fluoroaniline. • Suitably weak current stimulated specific catechol dioxygenase activity. • Suitably weak current have the directional effects on specific microbial communities. - Abstract: Bioelectrochemical auxiliary for treating wastewater has gained extensive attention and it is a promising technology for wastes especially refractory wastes treatment. In this study a bioelectrochemically assisted microbial system (BEAMS) was developed for 2-fluoroaniline removal in organic fluorine wastewater. The effects of electricity on 2-fluoroaniline removal performance, metabolic behavior as well as bacterial community structures were investigated. The BEAMS showed excellent performance in removing 2-fluoroaniline, the maximum biological defluorination and mineralization rates achieved being 116.07% and 43.06% higher, respectively, than the rates in the biological control. Suitable current intensity had positive effects on biological metabolism and the key enzyme for 2-fluoroaniline degrading catechol dioxygenase was stimulated, which increased the ability of the system to mineralize 2-fluoroaniline. Moreover, the current intensity had directional effects on specific microbial communities for 2-fluoroaniline degradation. These results give us a more detailed understanding of the effects of electricity on the treatment of 2-fluoroaniline contaminated wastewater and the system offers promise as a way of treating persistent organic pollutants