Enriched microbial fuel cells; Enhancing anode fillers to purify eutrophic water

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) play a crucial role in both contaminant removal and energy generation. This study focuses on developing a novel anode material composed of Poly3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3‑hydroxy, activated carbon, pyrite, and sponge iron particles. The aim is to effectively remove various pollutants, including nitrite-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, total inorganic nitrogen, algae, chemical oxygen demand and total phosphorus while generating bioelectricity. The MFC design involves connecting the anode carbon felt and cathode wire using externally insulated titanium, along with a fixed resistance. The anaerobic reactor column is filled with different proportions of the four particles. The results show that total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal rates are impressive, with 93 % in Box 2 (B2), 91 % in Box 3 (B3), 86 % in Box 1 (B1), and 66 % in Box 4 (B4). Additionally, the enhanced anode material achieved a high-power output of 959.9 mW/m3 and a current density of 6.989 A/m3. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of the enriched bio-bed structure for purifying eutrophic water bodies, making it a promising method for contaminant removal and energy generation.