Chapter 39 - Use of biofilm bacteria to enhance overall microbial fuel cell performance

Abstract

The bioelectrochemical system has emerged as new technology for treatment of wastewater with simultaneous bioenergy generation in recent years. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) generates bioelectricity while feeding on wastewater. In MFC, influent wastewater in the anodic chamber with electroactive bacterial biofilm donates electrons to the anode and protons to the cathode via proton exchange membrane. The electroactive biofilm (EAB) developed on anode plays a very vital role in MFC performance. The biofilm formed on the anode electrode is affected by physiochemical factors, operating factors, and biological factors. The physicochemical factors such as electrode material, spacing between anode and cathode electrode, and MFC configuration are the main affecting factor for biofilm formation on the electrode surface. Once the biofilm is formed on the electrode surface, its viability depends on the operational parameters such as substrate type, pH, electrode potential, and the value of the external resistance. A healthy and active EAB reduces the start-up time for MFC with synthetic and real wastewater. In this chapter, the role of EAB in enhancing the performance of MFC is discussed.