The Scientific World JOURNAL · 2013 · 50 citations · 19 references
Life SciencesBiotechnologyEnvironmental EngineeringBioprocess EngineeringMicrobial BiotechnologyWastewater TreatmentBioelectrochemical SystemsBiofuel ProductionBioreaction EngineeringEnvironmental Microbial BiotechnologyMicrobial BiocatalysisWastewater BiotreatmentBacillus SubtilisBiofilm GrowthContinuous Flow OperationContinuous OperationMicrobial Fuel CellsPower GenerationPower OutputRemoval Efficiency
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have the potential to simultaneously treat wastewater for reuse and to generate electricity. This study mainly considers the performance of an upflow dual-chambered MFC continuously fueled with actual domestic wastewater and alternatively biocatalyzed with aerobic activated sludge and strain of Bacillus Subtilis. The behavior of MFCs during initial biofilm growth and characterization of anodic biofilm were studied. After 45 days of continuous operation, the biofilms on the anodic electrode were well developed. The performance of MFCs was mainly evaluated in terms of COD reductions and electrical power output. Results revealed that the COD removal efficiency was 84% and 90% and the stabilized power outputs were clearly observed achieving a maximum value of 120 and 270 mW/m(2) obtained for MFCs inoculated with mixed cultures and Bacillus Subtilis strain, respectively.
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