Double-chamber Microbial Fuel Cells Research Articles

Enhancing Azo Dye Mineralization and Bioelectricity Generation through Biocathode-Microbial Fuel Cell Integration with Aerobic Bioreactor

This study explores the efficient decolorization and complete mineralization of the diazo dye Evans blue, using an integrated aerobic bioreactor system coupled with a double-chamber microbial fuel cell (DCMFC) including a bio-cathode and acetate as a cosubstrate. The research addresses the environmental challenges posed by dye-laden industrial effluents, focusing on achieving high decolorization efficiency and understanding the microbial communities involved. The study utilized mixed strains of actinomycetes, isolated from garden compost, to treat initial dye concentrations of 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L. Decolorization efficiency and microbial community composition were evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to assess anode and DCMFC resistance. The results demonstrated decolorization efficiencies ranging from 90 ± 2% to 98 ± 1.9% for 100 mg/L and from 79 ± 2% to 87% ± 1% for 200 mg/L. An anode resistance of 12.48 Ω indicated a well-developed biofilm and enhanced electron transfer. The microbial community analysis revealed a significant presence of Pseudomonadota (45.5% in dye-acclimated cultures and 32% in inoculum cultures), with key genera including Actinomarinicola (13.75%), Thermochromatium (4.82%), and Geobacter (4.52%). This study highlights the potential of the integrated DCMFC–aerobic system, utilizing mixed actinomycetes strains, for the effective treatment of industrial dye effluents, offering both environmental and bioenergy benefits.

Regulation of extracellular electron transfer by sustained existence of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox couples on iron oxide-functionalized woody biochar anode surfaces in bioelectrochemical systems

Sluggish extracellular electron transfer between the exoelectrogens and anode interface limits the application of bioelectrochemical systems (BECs) for energy generation. In this study, an innovative anode coated with oxidized biochar and co-functionalized with iron nanoparticles (FBC/Fe2O3) was developed to enhance microbial reactions through tuned physicochemical and electrical properties. The designed anode features a highly porous, heterogeneous structure with a large accessible surface area of 10.141 m²/g, promoting better habitation and metabolism of exoelectrogens. The synergistic effect of iron nanoparticles and oxidized functional groups increased the hydrophilicity of the anode surface, augmenting its affinity for bacterial outer membrane c-cysts and facilitating microbial adhesion at a density of 3.106 × 10⁹ CFU/cm². The iron moieties on the FBC/Fe2O3 electrode surface act as electron mediators, utilizing Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox couples, as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. This enhancement improved extracellular electron transfer (EET) between bacterial cells and the anode surface, resulting in a faster and bifurcated EET process through both direct transfer via outer membrane c-cysts and mediated transfer via the redox couples of Fe moieties. The assembled double-chamber microbial fuel cell (DC-MFC) with the FBC/Fe2O3 anode achieved a maximum power density of 528.75 mW/m² and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 47.5 % within 24 h of operation.

Recent Development in Nanoparticle-Assisted Microbial Fuel Cell for Enhanced Reduction of Chromium.

Chromium metal is a potential toxin released by various industries as by products. Reduction of the same costs an ample amount of manpower and wealth. Alternate, economical, efficient, and sustainable form of chromium reduction while generating electricity is a boon that microbial fuel cell (MFC) has provided to man. It paves way for an attractive technique to process hazardous elements. Nature as well as the type of electrode modulates the efficiency of reduction and power production. Many previously published studies have reviewed chromium removal from effluents as well as through MFCs, but utilization of nanoparticle-based MFC for chromium removal has not been exclusively done before. Hence, the objective of the current review is to provide exclusive study on nanoparticle-assisted MFC for chromium reduction. Reputed published data from the past 5years have been studied meticulously to compare the best outcomes of MFC in chromium removal. Chromium is found to be removed mostly in double-chambered MFC with a maximum removal of 100% when iron is used as an electrode. Removal of the same has led to generation of maximum power of 1965.4 mW m-2 when palladium nanoparticles are used at the electrode. Removal rates of Cr(VI) from a mixture of NiCo2O4, MoS2, and graphite felt in a dual-chamber MFC showed an 8.13% increase after 24h of light exposure. Another efficient setup used MoS2 nanosheets and Alpha-FeOOH nanoparticles in a dual-chamber MFC to completely remove Cr(VI) and achieve a high removal ratio of 91.45%. The current study reviews the recent updates in chromium reduction through MFC and its significance in future as a potential instrument for bioremediation and energy source.

Tailored synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanorods to prevent clogging in the microstructured biochar-supported MFC anode for sustained performance

Biochar with highly porous structures and organic functional moieties can act as an efficient micro-substrate for bacterial interaction. This study explores the potential of biochar combined with a CoFe2O4 catalyst as an anode material in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). To prevent bacterial clogging of the biochar pores, we strategically synthesized rod-shaped CoFe2O4 nano substrates. When decorated on the biochar surface, these nanorods served as pillars for bacterial growth, preventing pore clogging and enhancing the electron transfer mechanism. SEM and TEM images confirmed the presence of nanorods on the biochar surface. S. putrefaciens utilizes Co+2 and Fe+2 ions released from CoFe2O4 as electron acceptors, promoting their growth and colonization on the anode surface. The contact angle measurements of the fabricated anode showed it to be hydrophilic, with a water contact angle (θw) of 37.4°. OSP analyses revealed that the anode has a textured surface, further favoring bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The double-chambered MFC exhibited the highest current density of 32.225 A/m3. This study underscores the importance of biochar and the strategic enhancement of electrode performance through the surface tuning of nanocatalysts for application in microbial fuel cells.

Optimization and Modeling of a Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (DCMFC) for Industrial Wastewater Treatment: A Box–Behnken Design Approach

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered significant attention due to their capacity to generate electricity using renewable and carbon-neutral energy sources such as wastewater. Extensive experimental work and modeling techniques have been employed to dissect these processes and understand their respective impacts on electricity generation. The driving force is to enhance MFC performance for practical applications commercially. Among the various statistical modeling approaches, one particularly robust tool is the Design of Experiments (DoE). It serves to establish the relationships between different variables that influence MFC performance and allows for the optimization of the MFC configuration and operation for scaled-up performances in terms of bioelectricity generation. This study focused on optimizing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for bioelectricity production using industrial wastewater treatment, employing the Box–Behnken design (BBD) methodology. Through an analysis of response surface models and ANOVA tests, it was found that a combined approach of reduced quadratic, reduced two-factor interaction, and linear models yielded sound results, particularly in voltage yield, COD removal, and current density. Second-order regression models predicted optimal conditions for various parameters, with surface area, temperature, and catholyte dosage identified as critical input variables for optimization. Under these conditions, conducted by the four-factor and three-level Box–Behnken design methodology in a double-chamber MFC unit considering eight output variables—CCV yield, % COD removal, current density, power density, % TSS removal, % CE, and % PO43−—the optimum values were 700 mV, 54.4%, 54.4 mA/m2, 73.7 mW/m2, 99%, 21.2%, and 100%, respectively. At optimum operating conditions, the results revealed a desirability of 76.6% out of a total of 92 iterations. The paper highlights the effectiveness of statistical ANOVA fit-statistics modeling and optimization in enhancing DCMFC performance, recommending its use as a sustainable bioenergy source. Furthermore, validation results supported the above optimization output response findings and confirmed the viability of biorefinery wastewater as an anolyte for scaling up DCMFC bioelectricity generation.

Investigating the bacterial consortia properties of electrogenic anodic biofilm in a double-chamber microbial fuel cell: electrochemical, physical, biochemical and molecular characterization

This work evaluated the electrochemical, physical, biochemical, and molecular characterization of electrogens from a graphite felt anode when zinc oxide on activated carbon (ZnO/AC) was used as a cathodic electrocatalyst in a double-chambered microbial fuel cell (DCMFC). The electrochemical polarization behavior of the DCMFC showed that ZnO/AC had a higher power density (PDmax) of 89 mW m−2 with a corresponding cell current density (CD) of 248 mA m−2 and a voltage output of 395 mV, which was higher than those of the blank electrode used as a benchmark (PDmax of 68 mW m−2 at a CD of 161 mA m−2 and a voltage of 421 mV). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology and interior properties of the strains varied among the rods (bacilli), spirals (vibrios), and spheres (diplococci, staphylococci and streptococci). In addition, biochemical characterization via the Vitek2 compact system and molecular analysis via 16 S rRNA and 18 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the occurrence of nine prevalent species that were correlated with Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, Ochrobactrum anthropicus, Pseudomonas mendocina, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Staphylococcus equorum, Bacillus subtilis HQ334981.1, Kocuria kristinae KC581674.1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae NR111007.1. Consequently, the present study outlines different characterization strategies for electrogenic microbes that play an important role in the overall performance of DCMFC for scaling up and managing existing environmental pollution for sustainable energy generation.

A comparative analysis of organic substrates from industrial wastewater streams for enhanced electricity production using a double chamber microbial fuel cell (DCMFC)

This study investigates the startup sequence of a Double Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (DCMFC) for the treatment of diverse industrial wastewater streams, including biorefinery, dairy, and mixed sources. It presents a comprehensive startup and calibration procedure for the essential electrical components, utilizing MATLAB-SIMULINK to establish typical resistance calibration curves and correlate measured electrical parameters with expected values. This approach enables a robust experimental startup protocol for the DCMFC under psychrophilic and thermophilic conditions. The study explores the impact of fundamental operating parameters on determining the experimental Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of the DCMFC. Specifically, it examines the effects of catholyte type (Phosphate PO43−buffer) and three distinct organic substrates: dairy wastewater, biorefinery wastewater, and mixed substrates (50% v/v dairy).Electricity production is evaluated in terms of voltage yield (mV), Columbic efficiency (CE) (%), and overall growth yield (Y). The study also assesses the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) mass balance component's influence on COD removal efficiency to establish a viable operating HRT during the startup phase. Key findings include startup experimental voltage yields of 145.2 mV for biorefinery, 85 mV for mixed wastewater, and an impressive 357 mV for dairy wastewater. Columbic efficiencies of 0.92%, 0.77%, and 0.02% were respectively achieved. Furthermore, the study reveals a viable experimental HRT, ranging from 72 to 96 hours, for both biorefinery/mixed and dairy/mixed wastewater sources, facilitating startup electricity generation and efficient removal of organic contaminants. These findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation, offering valuable insights for practical applications.

The effect of ammonia concentration on the treatment of bio electrochemical leachate using MFCs technology.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered attention in bio-electrochemical leachate treatment systems. The most common forms of inorganic ammonia nitrogen are ammonium ([Formula: see text]) and free ammonia. Anaerobic digestion can be inhibited in both direct (changes in environmental conditions, such as fluctuations in temperature or pH, can indirectly hinder microbial activity and the efficiency of the digestion process) and indirect (inadequate nutrient levels, or other conditions that indirectly compromise the microbial community's ability to carry out anaerobic digestion effectively) ways by both kinds. The performance of a double-chamber MFC system-composed of an anodic chamber, a cathode chamber with fixed biofilm carriers (carbon felt material), and a Nafion 117 exchange membrane is examined in this work to determine the impact of ammonium nitrogen ([Formula: see text]) inhibition. MFCs may hold up to 100mL of fluid. Therefore, the bacteria involved were analysed using 16S rRNA. At room temperature, with a concentration of 800mg L-1 of ammonium nitrogen and 13,225mg L-1 of chemical oxygen demand (COD), the study produced a considerable power density of 234 mWm-3. It was found that [Formula: see text] concentrations above 800mg L-1 have an inhibitory influence on power output and treatment effectiveness. Multiple routes removed the most nitrogen ([Formula: see text]-N: 87.11 ± 0.7%, NO2 -N: 93.17 ± 0.2% and TN: 75.24 ± 0.3%). Results from sequencing indicate that the anode is home to a rich microbial community, with anammox (6%), denitrifying (6.4%), and electrogenic bacteria (18.2%) making up the bulk of the population. Microbial fuel cells can efficiently and cost-effectively execute anammox, a green nitrogen removal process, in landfill leachate.

BIOELECTRICITY OF COCOA POD WASTE AS A SUBSTRATE IN A DOUBLE CHAMBER MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

Currently, the utilization of cocoa pod has not been maximized, resulting in waste and foul odors that disturb the environment. However, cocoa pod contain a relatively high amount of cellulose compounds that serve as an energy source or nutrition for bacteria to carry out metabolic activities, thus holding the potential to be used as a substrate in microbial fuel cells (MFC). Based on this, the aim of this research is to investigate the bioelectricity generated by a MFC using cocoa pod husk as a substrate, including voltage, current, and power density, in order to determine the potential of cocoa pod husk waste as an electrical energy source. In this study, a double chamber MFC consists of an anode chamber with copper electrodes and a cathode chamber with zinc electrodes, separated by a salt bridge. The bacteria used were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the substrate was made from cocoa pod husk waste. Bioelectricity testing involved measuring the voltage, current, and power density produced by the MFC over several minutes. The measurement results for maximum voltage, maximum current generated, and maximum electrical power (at 6 days) from the reactor were as follows: 36.0 mV, 0.19 mA, and 456 mW/m2, respectively.

Self-Driven Electrokinetic Remediation of Cd Contamination Soil by Using Double-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell

Green and sustainable techniques are in great demand for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. Cadmium ion (Cd2+) in soil could be extracted under the internal electric field and participating on the surface of the electrode. Here, we proposed a sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) for the electrokinetic remediation of cadmium (Cd) contamination soil. Within the 7 weeks of SMFC operation, the removal efficiency for total Cd could be up to 70.04 ± 0.45%, which was significantly higher than that obtained by open circuit SMFC. The maximum output power density was 71.00 ± 0.82 mW m−2 with a current density of 0.60 ± 0.03 A m−2. Results obtained by electrochemical impedance showed that the inter resistance of SMFC was 944 ± 14 Ω. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria increased to 67.85%–80.99% in the SMFC. The relative abundance of Cd2+/Zn2+-exporting ATPase, participating in Cd2+ reduction, in SMFC varied from 25.83% to 30.68%, which were significantly higher than that of control (11.21% to 19.94%). Our findings have presented an effective energy-saving method for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

Production potential of cow dung for the generation of electric current using microbial fuel cell

Production potential of cow dung for the generation of electricity was investigated using microbial fuel cell (MFC). Cow dung was collected from FUTA farm and Ilesha Garage farm in Akure. Voltage and current was measured per day for 21 days and the electrode used for the set up are carbon-carbon and carbon-aluminium electrode. Proximate, physico-chemical and mineral composition were determined using standard methods. Isolation and identification of microorganisms present in the cow dung were determined before and after generation of voltage and current using microbiological techniques. The microorganisms isolated were Providencia alcalifaciens, P. rettgeri, P. stuartti, Escherichia coli, E. fergusonii, Morganella morganii, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Fusarium solani, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mucor mucedo. The highest voltage 0.737±0 mV and electric current 1.265±0 mA were generated from FUTA cow dung. The pH ranged between 7.3 to 9.9 and the temperature ranged between 25 ˚C to 33 ˚C during generation of voltage and current. This study has shown that cow dung is a potential substrate for generation of electric current using fabricated double chamber MFC.

Electrochemical Insight into the Use of Microbial Fuel Cells for Bioelectricity Generation and Wastewater Treatment

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is anticipated to be a practical alternative to the activated sludge technique for treating domestic and industrial effluents. The relevant literature mainly focuses on developing the systems and materials for maximum power output, whereas understanding the fundamental electrochemical characteristics is inadequate. This experimental study uses a double-chamber MFC having graphite electrodes and an anion-exchange membrane to investigate the electrochemical process limitations and the potential of bioelectricity generation and dairy effluent treatment. The results revealed an 81% reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) in 10 days of cell operation, with an initial COD loading of 4520 mg/L. The third day recorded the highest open circuit voltage of 396 mV, and the maximum power density of 36.39 mW/m2 was achieved at a current density of 0.30 A/m2. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis disclosed that the activation polarization of the aerated cathode was the primary factor causing the cell’s resistance, followed by the ohmic and anodic activation overpotentials.

Exploring the use of raw honey as a fuel source for microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technologies are making headway in developing and expanding renewable energy through the conversion of organic matter to electricity. Various substrates can be used in the MFCs technology to enable energy generation, either pure substances or complex mixtures of organic materials. This study aims to consider the feasibility of raw honey as a fuel for mediator-less double-chamber MFC. The cell voltage was monitored in mediator-less double-chamber H2O2 cathode microbial fuel cell. The Mfensi clay partition and the raw honey were analyzed using FTIR-ATR. The results show the highest open-circuit voltage of 1414 mV with a maximum current density of 0.6540 A/m2 and a maximum power density of 247.0 W/m2. These results demonstrate that raw honey can be used for power generation in MFCs and for practical applications.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CELLULOSE DEGRADING MICROORGANISMS GENERATING ELECTRICITY USING MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

Global warming and the accumulation of organic waste constitute a serious environmental problem. Therefore, microbial fuel cells (MFC) are an eco-friendly device that have significant capability for the production of electricity using biodegradable waste as fuel. Microorganisms used as catalysts in the anode compartment, execute a principal function in operating MFCs. The present study was conducted to isolate and to screen potential bioelectricity generating microorganisms from dumpsite soil samples and also to construct a domestic dual-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC). Streptomyces fimicarius was found to be the best isolate for the degradation of cellulose and the production of bioelectricity. The bacterial isolate was identified based on morphological characteristics, biochemical characteristics and molecular identification using 16S rRNA. Double-chambered MFC was constructed by using two polypropylene plastic containers of 1.4 L volume each. The two chambers were joined by using an agar salt bridge and carbon rods were utilized as electrodes. The generation of electricity by the isolate was compared using glucose and cellulose as sole carbon source in a minimal medium. The maximum voltage was found to be 322 mV in the presence of cellulose used as substrate after 5 days of incubation at room temperature and last for 10 days.

Insights into the development of microbial fuel cells for generating biohydrogen, bioelectricity, and treating wastewater

Bio-electrochemical systems, such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), serve as greener alternatives to conventional fuel energy. Despite the burgeoning review works on MFCs, comprehensive discussions are lacking on MFC designs and applications. This review paper provides insights into MFC applications, substrates used in MFC and the various design, technological, and chemical factors affecting MFC performance. MFCs have demonstrated efficacy in wastewater treatment of at least 50% and up to 98%. MFCs have been reported to produce ∼30 W/m2 electricity and ∼1 m3/d of biohydrogen, depending on the design and feedstock. Electricity generation rates of up to 5.04 mW/m−2–3.6 mW/m−2, 75–513 mW/m−2, and 135.4 mW/m−2 have been found for SCMFCs, double chamber MFCs, and stacked MFCs with the highest being produced by the single/hybrid single-chamber type using microalgae. Hybrid MFCs may emerge as financially promising technologies worth investigating due to their low operational costs, integrating low-cost proton exchange membranes such as PVA-Nafion-borosilicate, and electrodes made of natural materials, carbon, metal, and ceramic. MFCs are mostly used in laboratories due to their low power output and the difficulties in assessing the economic feasibility of the technology. The MFCs can generate incomes of as much as $2,498.77 × 10−2/(W/m2) annually through wastewater treatment and energy generation alone. The field application of MFC technology is also narrow due to its microbiological, electrochemical, and technological limitations, exacerbated by the gap in knowledge between laboratory and commercial-scale applications. Further research into novel and economically feasible electrode and membrane materials, the improvement of electrogenicity of the microbes used, and the potential of hybrid MFCs will provide opportunities to launch MFCs from the laboratory to the commercial-scale as a bid to improve the global energy security in an eco-friendly way.

Recovery of microbial fuel cells with high COD molasses wastewater and analysis of the microbial community

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a green technology that can be used to simultaneously degrade organics and generate energy. In this work, a double-chamber microbial fuel cell (DCMFC) was used to treat molasses wastewater with different concentrations, in batch tests. The results demonstrated that when the COD of the influent wastewater was low (3630 mg/L), the MFC system ran stably for 12 h, the maximum power density reached 3.28 W/m3, the internal resistance was 94 Ω, and a total COD removal efficiency of 88.5% was obtained at the end of the cycle. However, as the influent increased to 9060 mg/L, the performance of the MFC significantly declined due to the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and low pH. Interestingly, 10 days later the MFC system began to recover: output voltage increased from 209 to 535 mV, VFA declined from 2428.25 to 0 mg/L, and pH increased from 4.83 to 6.98. The microbial diversity of the biofilm on the anode was also investigated using high-throughput sequencing technology in order to clarify the effect of microbials on the treatment efficiency. The dominant microbial genera, such as Azospirillum, Sulfuricurvum, Syntrophomonas and Curvibacter, are highly related to the electron transfer and VFA degradation. In addition, Geobacter found on the carbon felt was responsible for electricity generation. These results demonstrate that MFCs could be an efficient way to treat molasses wastewater, because of its great self-recovery capability.

Co-substrates' influence on bioelectricity production in an azo dye-based microbial fuel cell

Co-substrates have been known to influence bioelectricity output during dye degradation. This preliminary research is focused on understanding the variations of bioelectricity output when co-substrates glucose and nitrogen sources were added along with Congo red azo dye in a double-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC). A novel bacterial consortium capable of azo dye degradation was added as the inoculant to the double-chambered MFC. Differences in bioelectricity output were noted when glucose alone, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate alone were added as co-substrates with Congo red dye. MFC with 25 mg L−1 ammonium nitrate peaked 0.032V and 0.003A open circuit (OC) output after 8 h hydraulic retention time (HRT). This was followed by observing effects of glucose alone and glucose combined with nitrogen sources over 8 h. Peak voltage and current of 0.11V and 0.012A, respectively were achieved at 3 h HRT by experimental model with glucose alone as co-substrate.

The system design of the peat-based microbial fuel cell as a new renewable energy source: The potential and limitations

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is considered as a renewable, non-toxic, reliable, clean, efficient, and also an alternative source for bioenergy. It provides numerous opportunities to improve sustainable applications in various sites, ranging from industrial to home. The low power output of microbial fuel cells is one of the important factors that hinder their commercialization. Power outputs must be improved to contribute to the commercialization of MFCs. In this study, organic peat material was used as a substrate for a double chamber MFC. In addition, since Clostridium bacteria were detected in the organic peat material, an additional bacterial strain was not used. In this MFC application, where graphite is used as both anode and cathode electrodes, 1 mol/L NaOH solution was employed as the cathode chamber solution. This peat-based MFC provided the highest electrical power density of 438.116 mW/m2. The most important limiting factor of the peat-based MFC was the spreading of the NaOH solution throughout the cell due to the rupture of the proton exchange membrane after 9 h of operation.

Recent advance in microbial fuel cell reactor configuration and coupling technologies for removal of antibiotic pollutants

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, as a biological treatment model that can convert antibiotic pollutants into electrical energy, has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Reactor configuration and coupling process play an important role in the treatment of antibiotic wastewater by the MFC, which will affect microbial activity, pollutant removal, and electricity generation. In this review, recent advances of reactor configuration (single chamber, double chamber, and cylinder) and coupling technology (wetland-MFC, sediment-MFC and membrane-MFC, and so on) of the MFC on treating of antibiotics are summarized, and their characteristics in the aspects of pollutant removal and power output are analyzed. Finally, through comparing removal quantity (mg antibiotics per day), the double chamber MFC as the individual treatment unit and the membrane-MFC exhibit better removal quantity.

Waste to energy conversion utilizing nanostructured Algal‐based microbial fuel cells

AbstractIncreasing environmental pollution along with the depletion of energy resources are critical challenges. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a simple fuel cell that converts chemical energy into bioelectricity by the catalytic activities of living microbes, are evolving as a multipurpose renewable energy technology. The power generation via the MFCs depends on harvesting free electrons from the electroactive microorganisms, popularly known as exoelectrogens, to simultaneously produce electricity and treat wastewater. In the present work, nanostructured bio‐electrochemical systems are designed to exploit the usability of algae biomass collected from high rate algal pond system (HRAP) either as algal‐living cells or as dry biomass for bioelectricity production via several approaches (i.e., the algae will act as bioanode, biocathode, or nutrient substrate). The obtained results indicated that a higher electric current is produced when microalgae living cells are exploited as bio‐cathode in a double‐chamber‐microbial fuel cell (DCMFC) with a net power density (250 mW/m2) combined with high‐efficiency removal of COD reached 44.8%. Overall, the study's findings suggested that living algal cells from HRAP support high power output from a DMFC when they are exploited as biocathode, hence, the system introduced the opportunity to redesign the high rate algal ponds in the wastewater treatment plants in a way to produce energy plus the main assigned tasks which are the removal of wastes.