Abstract
Two options, in regard to applying microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in water treatment, are under discussion, namely the conversion of the chemical energy of organic substrates to electricity, as well as the use their potential to reduce different species, such as the ionic form of copper (Cu2+ converted to metal copper) and iron (Fe3+ converted to Fe2+). The high reduction potential of Cu2+ and Fe3+ makes the processes of electricity production and metal reduction, to be performed simultaneously in MFC, achievable. The electrical yield measurement during the experiments of anodic organic matter degradation by MFC in treating an artificial wastewater with chemical oxygen demand (COD) 0.6 and 1.6 g O2·dm−3, as initial COD, are given. It is demonstrated that the higher organic load is associated with better electrical yield. A comparison of MFC and conventional anaerobic digestion performance is discussed, as well. Experimental proofs of copper removal and phosphate mobilization, following the iron reduction of FePO4, are also reported.
Highlights
Major challenge in wastewater treatment is to find technological solutions with higher energy yield and lower secondary pollution of the environment
Bio-electrochemical processes offer many of the benefits of the anaerobic digestion, while avoiding some of the Anaerobic digestion (AD) drawbacks
Applied aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment methods have many disadvantages, such as high energy demand, production of huge amount of residual sludge, or requirement for temperature control and heating, which could elevate the environmental footprint of the wastewater management
Summary
Major challenge in wastewater treatment is to find technological solutions with higher energy yield and lower secondary pollution of the environment. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is considered to be one of the most effective and efficient methods for the stabilization of waste [1] During this treatment, the organic matter in waste is reduced, and some energy is recovered in the form of biogas. MFCs are examples of bio-electrochemical types of reactors, which are intensively studied in the recent years. They combine biological and electrochemical processes, in order to generate electricity, hydrogen, or other useful chemicals from organic substrates, including waste organics. MFCs have attracted interest, following the recent trends of developing sustainable methods and products They offer simultaneous wastewater treatment and direct electrical energy harvesting, which could significantly improve the water management environmental footprint, in general [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
