Electrogenic properties of Bacillus paramycoidesNBPP1 strain as a biocatalyst in the microbial fuel cell

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are indeed a promising technology with the potential to address energy shortages and environmental pollution simultaneously. MFC utilizes the metabolic activities of microbes to convert organic substrates into electrical energy. This study assesses the power production capabilities of an isolated bacterial strain from soil, Bacillus paramycoides NBPP1, using different configurations of MFCs. The organic waste from chicken butchery shop is used as nutrient and aluminum and graphite as anode and cathode respectively. The MFC achieved voltage in an open circuitof 662 mV, maximal density of power of 4 Wm−2, internal resistance of 898 Ω, and coulombic efficiency of 6.66% for dual chambers. For single chambers, the values were 649 mV, 570 Ω, 2.6 Wm−2, and 3.75% respectively. The COD removal efficiency was 57.14% for dual chambers and 47.16% for single chambers. The MFC also demonstrated LED illumination in a series circuit for a longer duration, with a maximum power density of 6.40 Wm−2. Additionally, the residual broth was found to be an effective organic fertilizer with adequate N, K, and sufficient P. This study highlights the sustainable resource utilization in MFC organic waste, which encompasses power generation, waste management, and the potential for organic fertilizer production.