Microbial fuel cell-mediated bio electrochemical degradation of amoxicillin by native consortium microbes from sewage sludge

Amoxicillin (AMX), a commonly used antibiotic, has been found in surface waters globally. It has raised environmental concerns due to potential risks such as generating antibiotic resistance, genotoxicity, and disruption of ecology. This study investigates the prospect for Amoxicillin degradation using a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) powered by a native microbial community. This research encompasses an analysis of the degradation profile, electricity generation, and microbes involved in the process. Prior to acclimatization (using 1000 Ω external resistance), experiments were conducted for a duration of 72 h, during which the initial concentration and pH value of amoxicillin were altered. Electric potential was measured, and amoxicillin content was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Microbial community composition was evaluated through 16S rRNA sequencing. Amoxicillin reduction were 17.85 ± 4.35 %, 42.82 ± 2.78 %, and 66.17 ± 0.47 %, with corresponding power generation values of 450.99, 267.55, and 171.99 μW/m² for starting amoxicillin concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 mg/L, respectively. The experiment produced a maximum power of 972.97 μW/m² at pH 8.2 with a 73.42 ± 6.93 % reduction in AMX. A microbial community composition shift was detected and an exoelectrogen, Chromobacterium, was identified as the dominating microbe post-operation. This study underscores the potential of MFCs in amoxicillin degradation, providing valuable insights for future advancements of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals removal in wastewater remediation.