Enhancing Electricity Generation with the use of KMnO4 as an electron acceptor in Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

The use of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) to enhance electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) was evaluated. Proximate compositions of pig dung were determined. Microorganisms were isolated and identified using conventional and molecular methods. Double chamber types of MFCs were constructed. The anode chamber contained the pig dung sample, while the cathode chamber contained 0.1 M KMnO4. Current cum voltage were observed three times daily for a period of 40 days. Nine bacteria and five fungi were identified. Bacillus mycoides of the phylum Firmicutes were dominant. Before electricity generation, the highest bacterial and fungal load was from Apatapiti (2.71 x 105 cfu/g) and FUTA (2.93 x 104 sfu/g) pig dung respectively. After, the bacterial and fungal load was highest in Apatapiti (1.35 x 105 cfu/g) and South Gate (1.60 x 104 sfu/g) pig dung respectively. Generally, the highest voltage and current were from FUTA (1301 mV) and Apatapiti (4.5020 mA) pig dung, respectively. Findings revealed for the first time that pig dung yielded an output voltage as high as 3003 mV, which powered low voltage appliances conveniently. Hence, pig dung is a potential renewable electricity generation source and its use would curb environmental toxics and health hazards.