Bioelectricity generation using two chamber microbial fuel cell treating wastewater from food processing

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Electrochemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Food processing wastewater presents a significant treatment challenge due to its high organic load.
• Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a promising avenue for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy generation.
• Catalysts and mediator-less MFCs (CAML-MFCs) are being explored for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of electricity generation from food processing wastewater using a two-compartment MFC.
• To evaluate the performance of a CAML-MFC in terms of power production and pollutant removal.
• To assess the potential of MFC technology for offsetting wastewater treatment plant operating costs.

Main Methods:

• A two-compartment MFC reactor with anaerobic anode and aerobic cathode chambers separated by a proton exchange membrane was utilized.
• Food industry wastewater and buffer solutions served as electrolytes.
• Voltage, current intensity, and effluent parameters (COD, BOD5, NH3, P, TSS, VSS, SO4, alkalinity) were measured.

Main Results:

• Maximum current density of 527mA/m² and power production of 230mW/m² were achieved at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.364g COD/l.d.
• Maximum voltage of 0.475V and columbic efficiency of 21% were recorded at an OLR of 0.182g COD/l.d.
• High removal efficiencies were observed for COD (86%), BOD5 (79%), NH3 (73%), TSS (68%), VSS (62%), alkalinity (58%), and SO4 (30%), with 18% for P.

Conclusions:

• CAML-MFCs are a viable technology for efficient energy conversion from food processing wastewater.
• This MFC system demonstrates significant potential for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
• The technology offers a sustainable approach to reduce operational costs in wastewater treatment plants.