Power Generation by Halophilic Bacteria and Assessment of the Effect of Salinity on Performance of a Denitrifying Microbial Fuel Cell
Ankisha Vijay, Prakash C. Ghosh, Suparna Mukherji
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82% confidenceThis study developed a dual-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) treating saline wastewater using halophilic exo-electrogenic bacteria enriched from Arabian Sea seawater at the anode and denitrifying bacteria at the cathode. Maximum power density increased 1.7-fold from 96.77 to 162.09 mW/m² when NaCl concentration rose from 20 to 40 g/L. Simultaneous COD removal (76–83%) and nitrate removal (80–89%) were achieved. Electrochemical analysis revealed reduced charge transfer and solution resistances at higher salinity, with Clostridium, Shewanella, and Bacillus dominating the anodic microbial community.
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Abstract
Saline wastewater pollution is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. The present study focused on the development of a dual-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) treating saline wastewater at the anode. Halophilic exo-electrogenic bacteria enriched from seawater (Arabian Sea, Mumbai, India) were used in the anodic chamber of the MFC. Denitrification using denitrifying bacteria was employed in the cathodic chamber. The maximum power density was significantly increased from 96.77 mW/m² to 162.09 mW/m² with a rise in NaCl concentration from 20 to 40 g/L. Nitrate removal in the cathode chamber increased from 80 ± 3% to 89 ± 3.2% with increase in salt concentration from 20 g/L to 40 g/L and concomitantly COD removal in the anode chamber increased from 76 ± 3.8% to 83 ± 4%. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis revealed higher electrochemical activity at 40 g/L salt concentration. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis exhibited that charge transfer and solution resistances were lower when the salinity was increased. Microbial community analysis revealed the presence of Clostridium, Shewanella, and Bacillus as the most abundant genera in the anodic chamber. This study demonstrated the dual applicability of the system targeted for removal of organics from saline wastewater and nitrate removal from contaminated wastewater accompanied by power generation from the MFC.
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- Journal
- Energies
- Year
- 2023