Performance evaluation of algae assisted microbial fuel cell under outdoor conditions. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khandelwal, Amitap; Chhabra, Meenu; Yadav, Pallavee
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 310(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Outdoor MFC operation -- Algae cultivation -- Rock phosphate blended clayware -- Low-cost litre scale MFC -- Energy recovery; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123418
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A low-cost 10 L algae-assisted MFC was operated outdoors. Rock phosphate blended clayware served as both anodic chamber and separator. The 5% RP-MFC produced 890 mW/m 3 & 6186 mA/m 3 of power & current density. Algal biomass reached 4.6 g/l in the cathodic chamber. The system generated a net 11.53 kWh/m 3 energy at the total cost of $11.225. Abstract: This study reports for the first time an operation of an outdoor algae assisted Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). The MFC (10 L) comprised of low-cost materials like rock phosphate blended clayware & low-density polyethylene bags as anodic & cathodic chamber respectively. Algae biomass after lipid extraction at 2 g/l served as electron donor at the anode. Chlorella vulgaris at cathode provided oxygen as electron acceptor and served as lipid source. The MFCs performed well in all aspects namely energy recovery, algae productivity, and cost of operation. The 5% RP-MFCs gave 0.307 kg/m 3 d algal productivity, 0.09 kg/m 3 d lipid productivity, and 11.5318 kWh/m 3 of net energy recovery (NER). Rock phosphate served as a slow and constant source of phosphorus supporting algae growth. Proteobacteria (45.14%) were the dominant phyla while Alicyliphilus (5.46%) and Dechloromonas (4.74%) were the dominant genera at the anode. The estimated cost of the system was $11.225 only.