Impact of Voltage Application on Degradation of Biorefractory Pharmaceuticals in an Anaerobic-Aerobic Coupled Upflow Bioelectrochemical Reactor

This study aimed to build and operate anaerobic-aerobic-coupled up-flow bioelectrochemical reactors (AO-UBERs) using an intermittent supply of different voltages to treat recalcitrant pharmaceuticals. Ibuprofen, diclofenac, and carbamazepine were chosen as the three typical contaminants. The main objectives were: (1) to determine the effect of different applied voltages and HRT on the biodegradation of these mixtures, (2) to investigate the impact of electrode transition on the elimination of pharmaceuticals, and (3) to analyze the responses of bacterial communities in AO-UBERs.