Utilizing Microbial Fuel Cells For Simultaneous Treatment Of Solid Waste Water And Energy Generation

Abstract

The proposed biocatalyst utilized in the microbial fuel cell (MFC) experiment demonstrated exoelectrogenic activity, with species such as Mycobacterium and Shewanella (Pseudomonas) sourced from sewer wastewater. Chemical parameters from the initial experimental trial did not comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits. The total suspended solids (TSS) in the second MFC trial were the only parameter to meet the EPA threshold of 50 ppm, with influent and effluent concentrations of 96 ppm and 23.1 ppm, respectively. Consequently, supplementary treatment methods are required to achieve EPA discharge standards. The second trial indicated that the MFC setup effectively reduced metal concentrations, including Cr, Mn, Pb, and Zn, to levels that satisfy EPA surface water effluent discharge criteria.