Sustainable power generation from wastewater sources using Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

Microbial fuel‐cell performance depends primarily on five factors: the nature of the electrodes, pH, concentration, temperature, and period of operation. The present work describes work on optimization that has resulted in improved system performance of processes for energy recovery from wastewater by addressing these five parameters. This optimization is related to Monod kinetics, which forms the basis for microbial growth and substrate depletion rate. A difference in energy recovery from wastewater sources has been reported for studies with pure microbial culture and with undefined mixed microbes. Energy utilization research with microbial reactors has grown significantly with varying electrogenic reactor configurations, reductions in material costs, and a global need for power with reduced net CO2 emissions. The potential for future developments of these electrogenic reactor systems is also discussed, including how these systems can be integrated with existing wastewater treatment sources such as anaerobic digesters, and the positive impact they can have on energy security, which is linked with economic stability. Treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater using the microbial reserves can contribute significantly to advancing wastewater treatment infrastructure through effective COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) removal, and in the process generate value‐added product in the form of bioelectricity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Review of Sustainable Grid‐Independent Renewable Energy Access in Remote Communities of India

“…In certain areas where electricity reaches but the light is so dim that it is next to nonexistent, levels of satisfaction are again low (Herington et al 2017). The industry working in this area should focus on cost‐effective lighting solutions that ensure clean fuel as part of sustainable development (Kapoor et al 2017; Bose et al 2018a, 2018b). Off‐grid solar is lower in cost compared to the price of kerosene when the time factor is considered, as the payback for solar PV‐based energy generation systems is shorter.…”

Bioelectricity generation from sewage and wastewater treatment using two-chambered microbial fuel cell

“…For sewage, the major components that need to be treated before discharge include dissolved solids, suspended solids, alkalinity (as CO 3 1− ), sulfate (as SO 4 2− ), nitrates (NO 3 − ), phosphates (PO 4 3− ) with organic loads of sodium (Na 2+ ), calcium (Ca +2 ), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K + ), chlorine (Cl − ), ammonia (NH 3 1+ ), and trace quantities of manganese, copper, and zinc, all of which contributes to mg-COD/L of wastewater. The primary goal of MFCs is to reduce the COD followed by the energy recovery as bioelectricity.…”

“…Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry of untreated wastewater (here shown as WW) and wastewater after 1 week of operation of MFC, the pattern shows absorbance has increased from an initial 0.5 (brown shift) to 0.6 (blue shift), thereby removing mass concentration of contaminants in the process, the ideal absorbance for a standard solution (DM water) is also shown to peak at 1 [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] MFCs is to reduce the COD followed by the energy recovery as bioelectricity. For sewage, the major components that need to be treated before discharge include dissolved solids, suspended solids, alkalinity (as CO 3 1− ), sulfate (as SO 4 2− ), nitrates (NO 3 − ), phosphates (PO 4 3− ) with organic loads of sodium (Na 2+ ), calcium (Ca +2 ), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K + ), chlorine (Cl − ), ammonia (NH 3 1+ ), and trace quantities of manganese, copper, and zinc, all of which contributes to mg-COD/L of wastewater. 33 Studies have shown the various types of pathogens present in the wastewater at thermophilic temperatures (20-30°C) usually include viruses (Enteroviruses), bacteria (Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Shigella spp., and Fecal coliforms), protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica cysts), and Helminths.…”

“…Keeping in mind that the earth is 70% water, out of which only 2.5% is fresh water, over which only 1% is available for our usage; it is imperative to treat this wastewater for reuse and provide portable water for sanitation. 3 One way to bridge the energy infrastructure and the wastewater treatment units could be the use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Given the global consensus to focus on technologies that are renewable and emission free, advancements in MFC technology has the potential to simultaneously treat water and produce electricity in the process.…”

Improved decolorization of dye wastewater and enhanced power output in the electrically stacked microbial fuel cells with H2O2 modified corncob anodes

“…One appealing solution is the use of waste to produce electricity. 5,6 Globally, huge money is spent treating large quantities of wastewater each year, consuming considerable amounts of energy. This wastewater could thus serve as a renewable resource, saving significant amounts of energy and money in their toxicity removal and treatment.…”