Low-carbon electro-assisted biological treatment of fluoronitrobenzene with DFT-guided cathodes and RSM optimization.

The global pursuit of carbon neutrality demands sustainable technologies for treating recalcitrant wastewater pollutants. This study presents a high-performance electro-assisted biological treatment system for fluoronitrobenzene degradation selected stainless-steel cathode. Density functional theory calculations revealed its superior performance: strong pollutant chemisorption and rapid interfacial electron transfer at the SS surface. This system was translated into a reliable, scaled-up process optimized via response surface methodology, demonstrating robust stability and strong resilience to shock loading. Critically, a life cycle assessment quantitatively demonstrated a global warming potential 4.7 to 9.1 times lower than conventional advanced oxidation processes. By systematically linking molecular-level mechanisms with process engineering and a quantitative environmental impact assessment, this work establishes the EABT system as a low-carbon technology for pollutant remediation.