Performance analysis of different anode materials of double chamber Microbial Fuel Cell technology using different types of wastewater

Abstract

Wastewater sources are increasing significantly worldwide due to growing population and industrial activity. It is one of the world’s most serious environmental and public health issues. Current wastewater treatment technologies are not sustainable to meet the ever growing water sanitation needs due to because they are energy- and cost- intensive . Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) technology may present a sustainable and an environmentally friendly .They are an developing technology that uses bacteria to break down organic content and simultaneously generate bioelectricity, thus achieving sustainability. Anode performances as the governing support for the growth of biofilm to transfer the electrons. In general, anode materials must have a reasonable surface area for bacterial growth, good conduction, excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability, high mechanical strength, and low cost. In this work ,zinc , and Aluminum foil were tested as an anode .The comparative performances them were analyzed in a double chambered MFC with graphite bar as cathode and salt bridge((KCl and NaCl) separating the two chambers with respect to waste removal efficiency of MFCs. Two wastewater samples, sewage wastewater (Sebiadja beach discharge line) and industrial wastewater from The Libyan Fisheries Company (shrimp washing water) in Alkhoms City were used as substrate in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) In this work, zinc and Aluminum foil were tested as an anode. The comparative performances of them were examined in a double chambered MFCS containing industrial and sewage discharge wastewater with respect to waste removal efficiency of MFCs. The parameters like Total Dissolved Solids( TDS), Biological oxygen demand ( BOD )and Chemical oxygen demand ( COD) were examined for all the four sample. The 10 days of MFCS operation resulted in a maximum removal efficiency of BOD 82.73% (aluminum foil as anode with industrial wastewater ) and 72.3127% ( zinc material as anode and with industrial wastewater ). In addition, Zinc material anode provided better removal efficiency of COD with industrial wastewater and TDS with sewage wastewater that up to 25.4789% and 22.222% respectively. The results showed that dairy industry wastewater and sewage wastewater treatment by a double chamber microbial fuel cell ( MFC) are a good alternative for treating wastewater