International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 06 | Jun 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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A Study on Power Generation from Dual Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Using Seafood Processing Wastewater as Substrate Amit Dattatray Salamwade1, S.M.Bhosale2 1Amit Dattatray Saamwade,Student Department of Technology,Shivaji University, Kolhapur,Maharashtra,India 2 Prof, Dept. Of Civil Engineering, Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - This research explores the viability of utilizing
wastewater from sea food processing industries as substrate for bioelectricity generation through dual chamber microbial fuel cell(MFCs). MFCs among few technologies that directly, harness microbial metabolism to produce electricity, addressing the urgrnt global energy demand. The generated current in MFCs is dependent on microbial oxidation of organic substrates and the resultant electron transfer to the anode. This method allows electricity production from waste material without the need for external energy input. The seafood processing units typically discharges wastewater through operations such as drying, fermenting, canning and smoking. Such wastewaters are characterized by high BOD 5 (100–3000 mg/L), COD (1000–18000 mg/L). This study evaluates power output variation due to electrode surface area by comparing two MFCc setups, each employing different graphite rod diameter. The findings indicate that increasing electrode surface area improves MFCS performance.
1.1 METHODOLOGY The experiment was performed on two bench scale reactors (one anaerobic and one aerobic) for dual chamber Microbial fuel cell. Anode and cathode chamber was made up from Polypropylene (PP) plastic cylindrical containers. Both the containers were connected using salt bridge (CPVC pipe material). For anaerobic condition cap of container was closed and for aerobic either open or aerator using aquarium air pump with air diffuser. During the initial start-up period, the reactors were inoculated with anaerobic sludge, which was collected from 43.5 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant located at Mullakad Mangalore. The substrate for this study was collected from the Mukka Sea Food Industries Pvt. Ltd. located at Mukka, Sasihithlu, and Karnataka. The Industry processes the fish and produces fish oil, fish meal, refined fish oil and fish soluble.
Key Words: Microbial fuel cell (MFC), Bioelectricity, Substrate, BOD, COD, Current and Power Density electron transfer process.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.2 Materials & Methods
The global surge in energy demand, coupled with increasing dependence on fossil fuels necessitates exploration of sustainable alternative. The Global consumption in 2010 was 520 quadrillion .BTUs and is expected to increase by 56% in 2040. Recent studies prove that biodegradable waste can serve as the best source for energy generation and also control pollution and minimize the dependence on remaining fossil fuel. One of such innovative in recent technology is Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC),which utilizes the microbial processes of microorganism to break down the organic matter and generate electricity via electron transfer. Now wastewater emerges as one of the valuable resource not only for nutrient recovery but also for sustainable energy generation.
The dimension of container is 145 mm. in diameter and 182 mm. in length, volume of container is 3L.
Fig-1: Single Anode/Cathode chamber & Solid Salt bridge
General advantages’ of Microbial fuel cell when implemented in wastewater treatment are as follows:
Insensitive to operation environment (low temperatures); Requires no gas treatment; Application in locations with insufficient electrical infrastructures.
Converts direct substrate Energy to Electricity. Minimal sludge compared to Anaerobic Digestion and Conventional Activated Sludge.
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