International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 09 | Sep 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Exploring the Potential of Stevia Fermentation Liquid and Wastewater in Microbial Fuel Cells: A Sustainable Approach to Enhanced Electricity Production Junwoo Park1 Magnus Center for Ethics, Science and Philosophy, Philippines ------------------------------------------------------------------------***-----------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract – In response to the growing need for eco-friendly and sustainable energy sources, it is crucial to explore
alternative solutions. Microbial fuel cells, or MFCs, provide a promising avenue for electricity production. In this paper, the study aims to find the most efficient combination of microorganisms and organic matter for enhanced electricity production under environmental conditions. A series of experiments found that the combination of stevia and wastewater at 25˚C and no exposure to UV light proved to be most efficient in electricity production, even when compared to the control variable of Shewanella. The findings underscore the feasibility of utilizing Stevia fermentation liquid and wastewater in MFCs as a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources, providing insights for future developments in environmentally friendly solutions.
Keywords: alternative energy source, electricity production, microbial fuel cell, stevia, sustainable energy 1. Introduction Despite efforts to diversify energy sources, it remains a stark reality that a significant portion of the world relies heavily on energy generated through the combustion of fossil fuels. This practice presents as unsustainable, and mass produces carbon dioxide, intensifying the greenhouse effect and accelerating global warming. In alignment with the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of carbon emissions, exploring alternative sources to mitigate this impact while meeting the heightened global demand for electricity is imperative. One such avenue is the development of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), which are bioelectrochemical devices that utilize the metabolic activities of microorganisms to convert the chemical energy in organic matter into the release of electrons and, thus, electrical current [1].
Figure 1. Diagram representing a microbial fuel cell (MFC), illustrating key components and electron flow [3] Electrons are then transferred by microbes to the anode chamber and flow to the cathode chamber through a resistor, producing electricity. The protons also travel through the electrolyte to the cathode chamber, where they partake in an oxygen-reducing reaction to OH- or H2O [2]. At the cathode, electrons combine with protons and an external electron acceptor, often oxygen, to complete the electrochemical circuit, forming water as a byproduct. The following equations, using acetate, demonstrate the reactions in the anode and cathode chambers:
1.1.Background Information: Microbial Fuel Cells A typical MFC consists of three main components: a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, and a separator. These chambers are connected by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to allow the protons produced from the anode to pass through to the cathode chamber, which is equipped with an electrical circuit, such as copper wires, to facilitate the flow of electrons. The PEM selectively permits the passage of protons while preventing the mixing of gases and other substances between the chambers. The microorganisms in the anode chamber oxidize the organic compound to produce electrons, protons, and carbon dioxide [2].
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