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Electricity generation from wastewaters with starch as carbon source using a mediatorless microbial fuel cell
E Herrero-Hernandez1, T J Smith, R Akid
1Materials & Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK. eliseo.herrero@irnasa.csic.es
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|August 21, 2012
Summary
This study demonstrates a mediatorless microbial fuel cell using Escherichia coli and potato extract for electricity generation. The system achieved high power density and efficient wastewater treatment, highlighting potato starch
Area of Science:
- Bioelectrochemistry
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Environmental Biotechnology
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable method for electricity generation from organic waste.
- Mediatorless MFCs simplify design and reduce operational costs.
- Wastewater treatment remains a significant challenge, requiring efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a mediatorless microbial fuel cell for electricity generation using potato extract as a substrate.
- To assess the performance of the MFC with different electrode configurations.
- To determine the wastewater treatment efficiency of the MFC in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction.
Main Methods:
- A two-chamber mediatorless MFC was constructed using Escherichia coli as the electroactive bacterium.
- Synthetic wastewater from potato extract was used as the sole energy source.
- Anode and cathode performance was evaluated using platinised titanium strip and mesh electrodes in batch mode operation.
Main Results:
- The MFC achieved a maximum power density of 502 mW/m² with mesh electrodes, comparable to glucose-based systems.
- Electricity generation was successfully demonstrated using potato starch as a viable energy source.
- A significant reduction of 61% in the initial chemical oxygen demand of the wastewater was observed.
Conclusions:
- Mediatorless MFCs utilizing potato starch are effective for simultaneous electricity generation and wastewater treatment.
- Mesh electrodes enhance the power density of the microbial fuel cell.
- This technology presents a promising approach for sustainable energy production and waste management.
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