Investigation of bioelectricity generation potential of pharmaceutical wastewater through microbial fuel cells operation

Abstract

Pharmaceutical wastewater (PWW) as an industrial wastewater presents a potential hazard to natural water systems. This wastewater contains organic matter, which is toxic to the various life forms of the system. PWW is one of the major health problems nowadays, not only for aquatic life but also for human beings and the environment. There are several methods such as filtration, advanced oxidation, coagulation and biological membranes been used for the treatment of PWW, however, all of these methods are limited in their results and applications. In this present study, Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent a new method for treating wastewater, generating electricity, and reducing COD simultaneously. A novel H-type MFC connected with a graphite electrode has been designed for bioelectricity generation, COD reduction as well as PWW treatment. The treatment of PWW showed adequate bioelectricity generation such as Voltage, Current, and Power, of about 775 mV, 0.421 mA, and 583.70 mW at 100 Ω respectively. The percentage of the COD removed ranged from 95.2-96.7% and 12-34% at the different process variables. This study established bioelectricity generation and bio-treatment of PWW.