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A cyclically fed microbial fuel cell using glycerol from biodiesel was studied, and the results showed that a sludge age of 24 days was optimal for electricity generation, with shorter ages promoting fermenter growth and longer ages reducing microbial population.

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What they did

System
MFC

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Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on the influence of sludge age (SA) on the production of electricity from a cyclically fed glycerol–based microbial fuel cell. Under the same hydraulic retention time, different volumes of sludge were extracted from the anode compartment, thereby modifying the SA. Such changes affect the electrochemical performance, the organic matter biodegradation and consequently, the coulombic efficiency. A sludge volume of 0.01 L (corresponding to a SA of 24 d) appears to be optimal, because this favors the development of electricity–generating microorganisms (EGM). Shorter SA times wash EGM out of the system and promote growth of the fermenter (mainly acidogenic bacteria), whereas a longer SA reduces the microbial population. A final product analysis identified that short SAs provide favorable conditions in which higher concentrations of short–chain organic acids are detected.

Key findings

  • A sludge age of 24 days favors the development of electricity-generating microorganisms.
  • Shorter sludge ages promote the growth of fermenter bacteria, leading to higher concentrations of short-chain organic acids.
  • Longer sludge ages reduce the microbial population, negatively impacting electricity generation.

Keywords

Microbial fuel cellBiodieselPulp and paper industryPopulationOrganic matterGlycerol

Identifiers

DOI
10.1002/fuce.201800089
Journal
Fuel Cells
Year
2018