Performance of a Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Inoculated with Active Soil Microbes for Bioelectricity Generation

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems are promising technologies that pose as an efficient alternative renewable energy source. This study evaluated the performance of MFCs inoculated with active soil microorganisms and fed with crab meat processing wastewater, using different proton exchange membranes and different electrode materials, in the production of bioelectricity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction. MFC’s performance were analysed in terms of power density, energy output and COD reduction. COD concentrations were measured using standard Hach® COD kit Method 8000 with high range mercury vials. MFC reactors using titanium mesh wire electrodes demonstrated high open circuit potential (OCP) with peak values of 967 mV and 960 mV for MFC with Nafion membrane (MFC-Nafion) and MFC with gelatinised tapioca starch (MFC-GTS), respectively. Average power density output in closed circuit conditions peaked to as high as 9,908.52 mW/m3 for MFC-GTS reactor using carbon fiber brush electrodes. Energy plotted peaked at 235.88 J for MFC-GTS as a function of time calculated from geometric areal power density. COD reduction in MFC-GTS reactor was 31.05% and 36.06% using titanium wire mesh and carbon fiber brush electrodes, respectively. These results revealed that MFCs inoculated with active soil microbes using organic GTS membrane is a promising technology for bioenergy generation and COD reduction.