A packingtype microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed to test its capability of electricity production and simultaneous biodegradation of benzene. Different experiments were conducted with the MFC using glucose

benzene

and benzene + glucose

respectively

as the fuel. Results showed that with an external resistance of 1 000 Ω

the maximal power densities of the MFC were 228 and 9.5 mW/m2 (anode)

respectively

with 1 500 mg/L glucose and 1 000 mg/L benzene as the fuel (substrate). Correspondingly

the maximal volumetric power densities were 20.5 and 0.9 W/m3（calculated based on the valid net anode solution） for the glucose and benzene

respectively. When a mixed fuel of 1 000 mg/L glucose and 600 mg/L benzene was used

the maximal power density and the maximal volumetric power density were 288 mW/m2 (anode) and 25.9 W/m3

respectively. Benzene was completely degraded by the anodic microorganisms within 24 h when 1 000 mg/L glucose and 600 mg/L benzene were used as the fuel. Meanwhile

the COD removal was about 95% at the end of running cycles. For 1 500 mg/L glucose and glucosebenzene mixture

the Coulombic efficiencies of MFC were 15.7% and 2.3%

respectively. The results indicated that benzene could be used in the MFC for generating power while at the same time accomplishing biodegradation effectively. The MFC technology may provide a new method to offset treatment operating costs

making advanced remediation measure for difficultly degraded organic matters more affordable for practical applications.