Characterization of wastewater treatment by two microbial fuel cells in continuous flow operation. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kubota, Keiichi; Watanabe, Tomohide; Yamaguchi, Takashi; Syutsubo, Kazuaki
• Is Part Of: Environmental technology. Volume 37:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: microbial fuel cell -- wastewater treatment -- organic loading rate -- air-cathode -- PCR-DGGE; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; 628.05
• DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2015.1064169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3330

Abstract

Abstract : A two serially connected single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was applied to the treatment of diluted molasses wastewater in a continuous operation mode. In addition, the effect of series and parallel connection between the anodes and the cathode on power generation was investigated experimentally. The two serially connected MFC process achieved 79.8% of chemical oxygen demand removal and 11.6% of Coulombic efficiency when the hydraulic retention time of the whole process was 26 h. The power densities were 0.54, 0.34 and 0.40 W m −3 when electrodes were in individual connection, serial connection and parallel connection modes, respectively. A high open circuit voltage was obtained in the serial connection. Power density decreased at low organic loading rates (OLR) due to the shortage of organic matter. Power generation efficiency tended to decrease as a result of enhancement of methane fermentation at high OLRs. Therefore, high power density and efficiency can be achieved by using a suitable OLR range.