ELECTRICITY GENERATION USING KITCHEN WASTEWATER IN MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS
Abstract
This study explores the generation of bioelectricity from food processing wastewater using a double-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with a novel pineapple peel biochar-coated stainless steel mesh electrode. The research aims to address the dual challenges of energy demand and wastewater treatment by leveraging the organic content in kitchen wastewater as a substrate for electricity generation. It also investigates the impact of process variables such as biochar composition, salt concentration, and operational time on electricity generation. The MFC was designed and fabricated using locally sourced materials, and its performance was evaluated based on voltage output, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) removal. Results demonstrated a peak voltage of 1410mV at 30 hours, alongside significant reductions in COD (60%), BOD (62%), and TDS (54%), highlighting the systems efficacy in wastewater treatment and energy recovery. In essence, this study introduces a novel bioelectrode material and validates its practical performance, offering a sustainable method for converting food waste into valuable renewable energy and wastewater treatment solutions.
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