Abstract:

A novel  interactive manner between minerals and microorganisms was proposed  in  this study,  i.e. microorganisms
participate in the semiconducting mineral photocatalytic process via a bioelectrochemical reaction. The experimental results showed
that in the interactive system including simulated sunlight, “electricigens” and natural rutile, the photocatalysis of natural rutile
improved  the cathodic reaction kinetics, promoted  the electron  transfer efficiency and elevated  the electron energy of  the end of
the microbial electron transfer chain. The synergistic interaction between microorganism and semiconducting minerals enhanced
the  reduction efficiency of pollutants such as Cr(Ⅵ). The proposed  interactive pathway would be expected as an alternative
effective technology for future wastewater treatment.

Key words: semiconducting mineral, solar energy, mineral-micoorganism interaction, photocatalysis