Evaluating the Potential of White Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Waste as a Fuel Source in Microbial Fuel Cells Across Different pH Levels

Abstract

The intensification of agricultural production due to high global demand has led to uncontrolled waste production from this industry, creating an environmental imbalance due to inadequate waste management. In developing regions, the lack of access to electricity has become a critical problem, affecting people’s health, education, and economy. To address this issue, alternative and sustainable ways of generating electricity have been explored. This research focuses on the potential of using asparagus waste in single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) at different pH levels (4, 4.7—target, 7, and 9) to achieve optimal performance. It has been demonstrated that using this substrate, the MFC at pH 7 obtained the best results on the seventh day, generating an electric current of 4.859 mA and a maximum voltage of 0.965 V. The substrate showed an oxidation-reduction potential of 312.821 mV, a chemical oxygen demand reduction of 76.47%, and an electrical conductivity of 254.854 mS/cm. Additionally, it managed to generate a power density of 2.149 mW/cm² at a current density of 5.979 mA/cm². MFCs at different pH levels (4, 4.7—target, 7, and 9) demonstrated their potential to generate electrical energy by powering an LED light when connected in series. This research holds promise in promoting sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Key findings

• ▸MFC at pH 7 generated an electric current of 4.859 mA and a maximum voltage of 0.965 V on the seventh day.
• ▸The substrate showed an oxidation-reduction potential of 312.821 mV, a chemical oxygen demand reduction of 76.47%, and an electrical conductivity of 254.854 mS/cm.
• ▸MFC at pH 7 generated a power density of 2.149 mW/cm² at a current density of 5.979 mA/cm².

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.3390/su17104486

Journal

Sustainability

Year

2025