Sorting wastewaters efficiency using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC)
Keywords:
Bioelectricity generation, Microbial fuel cells, Renewable energy setup, Wastewater treatment, Sustainable energy, Organic pollutants, Wastewater substratesAbstract
The rising global demand for sustainable energy and effective wastewater treatment has directed increasing attention toward microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which simultaneously generate electricity and degrade organic pollutants. Current study scientifically evaluated the performance of MFC, on the basis of different wastewater substrates, including hospital, domestic, industrial, and agricultural sources. Hospital wastewater shows the highest power density, due to its high organic & nutrient load, highlighting its dual potential for energy recovery and public health protection. To achieve uniformity for substrates, experimental conditions were standardized with graphite electrodes, regulated pH, and a temperature range of 25-30°C. Results were analyzed against existing literature, confirming the synergistic contribution of bacteria and algae in enhancing electricity generation and pollutant removal. The current study highlights the sustainability implications of MFCs, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, incorporation into circular economy models, and alignment with global energy and environmental goals, even though there are still constraints like poor power density, electrode fouling, and over potential. Future research on MFC development and municipal wastewater applications can build on the results of this study.
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