Evaluation of generation of electricity from wastewater using microbial fuel cell

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) have received significant attention worldwide for its capacity to produce electricity as well as removal of waste compounds. The present work aims to evaluate the performance of MFC by varying parameters - electrode surface area and substrate. A comparison was made with the performance output of two-chamber, h-shaped unit MFC and three two chamber, h-shaped MFC connected in series. Performance of MFC were also evaluated by varying the surface area of the electrodes in both anode and cathode chamber as well as varying the substrate, i.e., cooked rice, cerelac and sugar given to the anode chamber. MFCs connected in series gives better voltage output compared to single unit MFC. Electrode surface area in the anode chamber plays an important role in electricity generation. The sudden exchange of substrate from cerelac to cooked rice and vice versa does not show any significant improvement in the performance of MFCs.