Photosynthetic microbial desalination cell (PhMDC) using Chlamydomonas sp. (UKM6) and Scenedesmus sp. (UKM9) as biocatalysts for electricity production and water treatment. (12th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nadzri, Nur Atikah Aryanee; Mohd Yasin, Nazlina Haiza; Abu Bakar, Mimi Hani; Thanakodi, Suresh; Salehmin, Mohd Nur Ikhmal; Takriff, Mohd Sobri; Ni Aznan, Mohamad Faisal; Maeda, Toshinari
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 31(2023)
• Page Start: 11860
• Page End: 11873
• Publication Date: 2023-04-12
• Subjects: Microbial desalination cell -- Fuel cell -- Photosynthesis -- Microalgae -- Renewable energy; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.01.142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A current Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC) system often uses chemicals or air cathodes that are toxic and impractical for scalable applications. This work presents the MDC performance that utilized microalgae species Chlamydomonas sp. (UKM6) and Scenedesmus sp. (UKM9). These species supported the role of the terminal electron acceptor in the cathode chamber of photosynthetic MDCs (PhMDC). The results showed that PhMDC-UKM9 and UKM6 produced 1942 mW/m 3 and 1714 mW/m 3 power densities with 44% and 32% desalination rates, respectively. The desalination of salt concentration (35 g/L) was approaching the practical application of seawater. Both UKM6 and UKM9 achieved chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in the anode chamber by 49% and 53%, respectively. 16S microbial community analysis in anolyte revealed phylum Firmicutes as the dominion community. This study demonstrated that the local microalgae species integrate power production, wastewater treatment, and water purification through PhMDC operation, comparable with other studies using commercial microalgae. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Microalgae as biocatalysts support catalytic performance of PhMDC. Maximum power achieved was 1942 mW/m 3 from Scenedesmus sp. UKM9. PhMDC with microalgae produced three folds more power density than control. 97% Firmicutes dominated the microbial community of anolyte. PhMDC-UKM9 showed the highest COD removal (53%) and desalination efficiencies (44.8%).