The Energy Production and Efficiency Treatment of ML-MFC Using High Organic Content Wastewater

Abstract

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a technology that is not only able to produce energy but also treats wastewater. The membraneless microbial fuel cell (ML-MFC) system was developed to avoid the use of membranes that are prone to clogging and are less applicable. The reactor was made and arranged in two chambers connected by pipes and the fluid flow rate is set using a peristaltic pump. Three anodes (carbon cloth) were paired with a carbon-Pt cathode GDL (Gas Diffusion Layer) type. The reactor was applied to wastewater taken from the industrial WWTP unit at the point before and after UASB. ML-MFC reactors can produce currents of 0.2 mA (before UASB) and 0.25 mA (after UASB). Current production is strongly influenced by the flow rate and characteristics of wastewater. Increased flow rates and complex character of wastewater will reduce current production. The electric power produced is 0.035 mwatt for wastewater before UASB and 0.086 mwatt after UASB with a COD removal is close to the same, which is 21% at a flow rate of 11 L / min1