Project Report On Microbial Fuel Cell

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE USING
MICROBIAL FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
ASWINI.K 421612103017
DHINESHKUMAR.V 421612103025
DHIVYA.R 421612103026
HEMANATHAN.T 421612103038
In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree

of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
MAILAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE

MAILAM 604 304
ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

APRIL 2016
ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report “ENERGY RECOVERY FROM SEWAGE
SLUDGE USING MICROBIAL FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY” is the
bonafide work of “ASWINI.K, DHIVYA.R, DHINESHKUMAR.V,
HEMANATHAN.T” who carried out the project under my supervision.
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Dr. S.SUNDARARAMAN. Dr. S.SUNDARARAMAN.
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
Department of Civil Engineering, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
Mailam Engineering College, Department of Civil Engineering,
Mailam. Mailam Engineering College,
Mailam.
Submitted for the main project viva-voce examination held on 12 - 04 - 2016
INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We wish to record our sincere thanks to our Chairman Er.M.DHANASEKARAN,

and Vice Chairman Er. S.V.SUGUMARAN for giving facilities to undertake this
project.
We are grateful to our Principal Dr. S. SENTHIL, for his kind support for the
Design Project.
We are grateful to our Dean Dr. R.RAJAPPAN, for his kind support for the main
Project.
We find no words to express our immense pleasure in thanking especially our Head
of the Department Dr.S.SUNDARARAMAN, M.Tech.,Ph.D. for providing the
foundation and support to carry out this main Projects successfully in all aspects.
We thank our Guide Dr.S.SUNDARARAMAN, M.Tech.,Ph.D.., for his valuable

suggestion and guidance, with patient and pleasure on this great deal of work.
We express our heart full of thanks to our Department staff members for their
valuable guidance through-out in completion of the main Project successfully.
‘Last but not least’ we also express our sincere thanks to our beloved PARENTS
for their moral and financial support for doing this main Project.
ABSTRACT
Energy and waste management are two crisis that world is facing nowadays. A
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) is a collective solution of these two crisis. MFC
converts energy of chemical bond of biodegradable compound into electricity
with the help of microorganisms. MFC technology has very wide range of
applications but very recent researches are more focused on wastewater
treatment and biosensor technology.
There are many types of MFCs are made but among all those 2-chamber H-
type MFC is used in study because it is best for preliminary experimental
purpose. The anoxic anode chamber is connected internally to the cathode
chamber via a proton exchange membrane with the circuit completed by an
external wire.
The project report presents experimental setup construction, setup run
prerequisites and results. In whole project we are aiming to check maximum
generated Voltage, Current and Power and treatability of anaerobic sewage
sludge and review of benefits of MFC technology for wastewater treatment and
simultaneous energy generation. The report presents the study done to
understand various aspects of design and operation of MFC and how it is
implemented to make an experimental setup of MFC as well as feasibility and
benefits of MFC technology for wastewater treatment with electricity
generation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.

NO: ABSTRACT i
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TABLE vii
LIST OF FLOW CHART viii
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL 1
1.2 ENERGY FROM SEWAGE
TREATMENT PLANTS 1
1.3 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT 5
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 6
2. LITERATURE RIVEW
2.1 GENERAL 7
2.2 MICROBIAL FUEL CELL (MFC) 12
2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF MFC 12
2.4 WORKING PRINCIPLE 20
2.5 ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS 21
2.6 SCOPE FOR FUTURE STUDY 27
3. MATERIALS AND METHODLOGY
3.1 GENERAL 29
3.2 COMPONENTS OF MFC 29
3.3 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP 31
3.5 MONITORING AND ANALYSIS 34
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 GENERAL 38
iii
4.2 INITIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
SUBSTRATE 38
4.3 EVALUATION OF ELECTICITY
GENERATION 39
4.4 DISCUSSIONS 59
5. CONCLUSION
5.1 GENERAL 61
5.2 PROPOSAL FOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTER
WITH MICROBIAL FUEL CELL 62
6. REFERENCE
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
FIG NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1. CEA-MFC design. 12
2. Double Chamber-MFC design 13
Working of Microbial Fuel Cell 21
3. MFC-1 experimental setup 31
4. MFC-2 experimental setup day 1 33
5. MFC-2 experimental setup day 6 33
6. Voltage generated on Day 1 39
Voltage generated on Day 5 42
11. Maximum Voltage generated from
Day 1- 6. 43
12. Current generated on Day 1 44
18. Maximum Current generated from
Day 1- 6. 47
19. Power generated on Day 1 48
v
25. Maximum power generated from
Day 1- 6. 51
26. proposed model for AD with MFC 63
vi
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1. Types of Substrate and Microbes that can be used in MFC. 19

2. Characteristics to be determined from the substrate 35
3. Characteristics of sludge sample in MFC-2 38
4. Maximum Voltage generated from day 1-6. 43
5. Maximum Current from day 1-6 48
6. Maximum Power generated from Day1- 6 53
7. Initial parameters of anaerobic sludge 55
8. Characteristics of sewage sludge on day 1 56
Vii
LIST OF FLOWCHART
TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
1. Maximum Voltage generated from 43

Day 1- 6.
2. Maximum Current generated from 47
Day 1- 6.
3. Maximum power generated from 49
Day 1- 6.
Viii
LIST OF SYMBOLS
Sl.no abbreviations words
1 µ Micro
0
2 C Degree Centigrade
3 CEA Cloth electrode assembly
4 ETC Electron transport chain
5 TSS Total suspended solids
6 A Ampere
7 BOD Biological oxygen demand
8 C.S.A Cross sectional area
9 cm centimetres
10 COD Chemical oxygen demand
11 KCl Potassium chloride
12 Kg Kilogram
13 L Litre
14 M molarity
15 MFC Microbial fuel cell
16 ml Millilitre
17 NaCl Sodium chloride
18 PEM Proton exchange membrane
19 V Voltage
20 W watt
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
While the world population is growing, energy and water resources are
becoming limited. An additional challenge associated with population
growth is the increase in wastewater generation and environmental
pollution. While water scarcity and energy demand are continuously
increasing in the world, alternative sources are needed to meet the
requirement of a growing population. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a
sustainable technology that converts organic matter in wastewater into
electricity, thus it can be a potential alternative source for water and energy.
Although significant studies in MFC research have been accomplished in
the last few years, improvement in power generation and decrease in
material cost are still necessary to bring MFC into Practical application.
The main goal of this work is to contribute in making MFC more applicable
in industrial and municipal facilities, and to evaluate its scaling up for real
world application.
1.2 ENERGY FROM SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS:

However, wastewater itself is intrinsically rich in energy, estimated to have
an energy content greater than the energy necessary to treat it.
Approximately 66% of this energy is stored in sludge, following treatment
and further developing technologies capable of extracting energy from the
organic material in sludge is key to decreasing external energy demands
and overall treatment costs of wastewater treatment. Energy usage of
wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) can range from 0.4 to 1.4 kWh m-3.
While there are many technologies capable of extracting energy from
sludge to offset this energy demand, anaerobic digestion has seen the most
widespread application [12, 28].Anaerobic digesters are able to convert
1
about 28% of the energy potential of the biodegradable organics in
wastewater to electricity through generation and subsequent combustion of
CH4 biogas, meeting roughly a quarter to almost half the energy needs of
an average WWTP [28]. Though anaerobic digestion is a proven
technology, significant energy reserves are left unrecovered, and effluent
standards are not met necessitating secondary processes such as aeration.
Further developing nascent wastewater technologies with the potential for
increased energy efficiency can greatly decrease wastewater treatment
costs.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-developed technology to generate

biogas (mainly methane) from organic wastes through a series of microbial
reactions. It has an established performance and is considered as an
effective approach for wastes-to-energy. AD is a well-developed and
practiced technology and AD can handle high strength wastewater at a
loading rate of 10-20 kg COD/ (m3 day) [28]. Biogas is difficult to store
and needs to be treated because of components such as H2S and Conversion
of biogas to electricity requires an additional step and is at an efficiency of
conventional combustion, and The effluent of AD still contains high
organic contents and requires post-treatment and some previous studies and
others’ have found that MFCs can improve biodegradation of organics,
even some refractory compounds and MFCs can be diversified with new
functions such as hydrogen production, desalination, and heavy metal
removal.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a new technology to directly produce

electricity from organic wastes. MFCs are bio-electrochemical reactors in
which bacteria oxidize various organic or inorganic compounds in the
anode chamber and generate proton and electrons that transport to the
2
cathode to reduce oxygen to water. Electron flow from the anode to the
cathode generates an electric current or power if a load is connected
advantages of MFCs include that Direct generation of electricity; no
additional conversion step is require and MFCs can be operated at
temperatures below 20 ºC, and are efficient at low substrate concentration
levels, in terms of both electricity generation and organic removal
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are able to the convert the potential energy of
a wide range of organics directly into electricity. Various sludge types were
tested directly in MFCs, including raw sludge, primary sludge, digested
sludge from anaerobic digesters and membrane bioreactors, as well as a
mixture of primary sludge with primary effluent. However, columbic
efficiencies were low and volumetric power densities observed were a
small fraction of what is achievable in MFC systems [32]. Poor
performance can be partly attributed to low concentrations of dissolved
organics and well as inefficient reactor design. In order to improve MFC
power generation from sludge treatment, various sludge pre-treatment
procedures have been explored to increase dissolved organic
concentrations, including sonication, sterilization, and basification,
Ozonation, the use of microwaves, and fermentation. Fermentation was not
only highly effective at solubilizing organics, but less energy intensive than
other pre-treatment processes. The power density of a fermented sludge
supernatant/primary effluent solution is much higher than that without the
fermented sludge pre-treatment. However adding phosphate buffer to
fermented sludge solutions doubled or tripled power densities, indicating
that lowering the internal resistance of MFC would be key for further
increasing the power generation from pre-treated sludge. A novel cloth
electrode assembly (CEA) MFC has recently demonstrated high power
while operated in both batch and continuous flow modes.[15] Therefore
this design and its associated community has the potential to generate high
3
power using waste streams without high conductivity. However, this
reactor setup has been evaluated using a real waste stream.
To address those serious problems, advances in research have been made

to improve water management and to make wastewater treatment more
effective and efficient. Also, alternative renewable energy sources
(bioenergy, geothermal, solar, wind etc.) have been investigated and
applied. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a sustainable technology that has
potential to treat wastewater while producing electricity and thus providing
a solution for water and energy shortages [9]. In the present study, CEA-
MFCs were used to investigate the possibility of generating high power
outputs from fermented primary sludge. The feasibility and efficiency of
integrating MFC and anaerobic digestion treatment processes was also
evaluated. MFC can use organics in waste streams as energy source and
enhance food security by providing treated water that could be applied in
irrigation. The bacteria on the MFC anode decompose organic matter in
wastewater, liberating electrons that flow to the cathode through an external
circuit and generate electricity. At the cathode, electrons, protons and
oxygen form water.
Though it has been known that bacteria can produce electrical current. Only
in the last decade that research on MFCs for potential application in
wastewater treatment and energy production has been conducted
extensively resulted in large enhancements in MFC performance. The
factors contributing to the improvements include the discovery of new
electrochemically active bacterial species, the development of electrodes,
and development of ion exchange membranes and the modification of
reactor design.
4
1.3 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The scope of this project is to take ideas being generated in current research on
microbial fuel cells and apply them to produce a fully functional prototype that
could potentially be used commercially. This project focuses on engineering
design and optimization of the fuel cells, while meeting specified objectives.
The scope of the project lies within its technology and its applications. In this
project a detailed study and evaluation is done on treatability of wastewater
(anaerobic sludge) with simultaneous electricity production.
1. Microbial Fuel Cell is a promising technology for wastewater

treatment that almost 80% than conventional treatment in removal of
heavy metal.
2. Microbial fuel cell is capability of producing direct electricity from

organic compounds with the help of microorganism.
3. Microbial Fuel Cell can produce Hydrogen as fuel and which is said
to be a future fuel. And these hydrogen will end up on combustion as
water which is even more eco-friendly.
4. Unlike chemical fuel cell, MFC does not require complex systems or
devices in its process of producing energy.
5. Availability of raw material- This technology uses microbes as raw

materials that are abundant.
6. Biosensor- Apart from the mentioned applications, another potential

application of the MFC technology is to use it as a sensor for pollutant
analysis and in situ process monitoring and control.
5
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
Because of the complexity of this project it is important to fulfil very basic

objectives like producing electricity and efficiency in reducing COD of
wastewater. Objectives are defined in that manner.
1. To analyse the characteristics of Substrate i.e. Anaerobic sludge chosen

for the present study.
2. To find the Maximum voltage generated from the chosen substrate (i.e.)
Secondary Sewage sludge using Microbial Fuel Cell.
3. To determine the Maximum current generated from Secondary sewage

sludge by Microbial Fuel Cell.
4. To calculate the Maximum power generated from the produced voltage

and current in Microbial Fuel Cell using Secondary Sewage Sludge as
substrate.
5. To study the monitoring parameters such as COD, TSS, VSS removal at

outlet of Microbial Fuel Cell after six days of continuous operation.
6. To propose a feasible method for anaerobic sludge treatment with more

energy recovery than from conventional anaerobic digester.
6
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GENERAL
In this chapter literature review of this project is carried out from various books,
reference, journals, and from several websites. The brief discussion of the
project is presented below in this project.
2.1.2 Bruce E. Logan, et al, (2010), observed that the Microbial fuel cell
(MFC) research is a rapidly evolving field that lacks established terminology
and methods for the analysis of system performance. This makes it difficult for
researchers to compare devices on an equivalent basis. The construction and
analysis of MFCs requires knowledge of different scientific and engineering
fields, ranging from microbiology and electrochemistry to materials and
environmental engineering. Describing MFC systems therefore involves an
understanding of these different scientific and engineering principles. In this
paper, we provide a review of the different materials and methods used to
construct MFCs, techniques used to analyse system performance, and
recommendations on what information to include in MFC studies and the most
useful ways to present results.
2.1.3 Zhuwei Du, Haoran Li, Tingyue Gu (2011) observes that a microbial
fuel cell (MFC) is a bioreactor that converts chemical energy in the chemical
bonds in organic compounds to electrical energy through catalytic reactions of
microorganisms under anaerobic conditions. It has been known for many years
that it is possible to generate electricity directly by using bacteria to break down
organic substrates. The recent energy crisis has reinvigorated interests in MFCs
among academic researchers as a way to generate electric power or hydrogen
from biomass without a net carbon emission into the ecosystem. MFCs can also
be used in wastewater treatment facilities to break down organic matters. They
have also been studied for applications as biosensors such as sensors for
7
biological oxygen demand monitoring. Power output and Columbic efficiency
are significantly affected by the types of microbe in the anodic chamber of an
MFC, configuration of the MFC and operating conditions. Currently, real-
world applications of MFCs are limited because of their low power density
level of several thousand mW/m2. Efforts are being made to improve the
performance and reduce the construction and operating costs of MFCs.
2.1.4 M.M. Ghangrekar and V.B. Shinde (2011) observes that While treating
sewage, particularly in small capacity treatment plant recovery of methane may
not be attractive, because most of the methane produced in the reactor is lost
through effluent of the reactor. The methane concentration of about 16 mg/L
(equivalent COD 64 mg/L) is expected in the effluent of the reactor due to high
partial pressure of methane gas inside the reactor1. Hence, while treating low
strength wastewater major fraction of the methane gas may be lost through
effluents, reducing the energy recovery. In addition, due to global
environmental concerns and energy insecurity, there is emergent interest to find
out sustainable and clean energy source with minimal or zero use of
hydrocarbons. Electricity can be produced in different types of power plant
systems, batteries or fuel cells. Bacteria can be used to catalyse the conversion
of organic matter into electricity.
2.1.5 Mostafa Rahimnejad, et al, (2011) observes that Microbial fuel cells
(MFCs) are biochemical-catalyzed systems in which electricity is produced by
oxidizing biodegradable organic matters in presence of either bacteria or
enzyme. This system can serve as a device for generating clean energy and,
also wastewater treatment unit. The performance of MFC was analysed by the
measurement of polarization curve and cyclic voltammetry data as well. Closed
circuit voltage was obtained using a 1 kohm resistance. The voltage at steady-
state condition was 440 mV and it was stable for the entire operation time. In a
continuous system, the effect of hydraulic retention time (HRT) on
performance of MFC was examined. The optimum HRT was found to be
8
around 7 h. Maximum produced power and current density at optimum HRT
were 1210 mA m-2 and 283 mWm-2, respectively. As aforementioned, MFCs
can potentially be used for different applications. When used in wastewater
treatment, a large surface area is needed for biofilm to build up on the anode.
A breakthrough is needed in creating inexpensive electrodes that resist fouling.
It is unrealistic to expect that the power density output from an MFC to match
that of conventional chemical fuel cell such as a hydrogen-powered fuel cell.
The fuel in an MFC is often a rather dilute biomass (as in wastewater treatment)
in the anodic chamber that has a limited energy (reflected by its BOD). Another
limitation is the inherent naturally low catalytic rate of the microbes. Even at
their fastest growth rate microbes are relatively slow transformers. Although
Columbic efficiency over 90% has been achieved in some cases, it has little
effect on the crucial problem of low reaction rate.
2.1.6 Katalin Belafi-Bako, et al, (2012) observed that the anaerobic sludge
applied in the anodic cell was pre-treated prior to usage, as it was reported. The
MFC was placed in a thermo stated container, where the liquids in both cells
were possible to circulate and stir. In the cathodic cell air was entered
continuously by a pump to ensure aerobic environment, while N2 was spangled
through the anodic cell to assure the anaerobic conditions. The MFC reactor
was initially inoculated with the pre-treated anaerobic sludge. Then the
microbial consortia started to operate in the cell and they were allowed to adapt
the actual conditions and colonise locally. To follow the processes various
analytical methods: pH, total solid substance (TSS), COD were applied. COD
values of the samples taken from the cells were determined by the potassium
dichromate method, which is based on the following oxidation reaction in
acidic environment as it can be seen remarkable TSS and COD decrease could
be observed during the processes, while electric power was generated
continuously.
9
2.1.7 Zheng Ge, Fei Zhang, Julien Grimaud, Jim Hurst, (2014) observes
that Sewage sludge is a by-product of municipal wastewater treatment and
generated from primary and secondary sedimentation. In municipal wastewater
treatment plants, the treatment and disposal of sewage sludge can comprise up
to 50% of the operation costs .There are several approaches for treating sludge
to reduce solid contents and to stabilize biomass; however, anaerobic digestion
(AD) is generally preferred because of its cost-effectiveness and bioenergy
production. Digested sludge can be further composted for agriculture uses, and
biogas can be converted into electricity and/or heat through combustion and
thus compensate for some energy use in a wastewater treatment plant. Because
of a large amount of organic contents, primary sludge contains about 66% of
the energy content of wastewater, and about 81% of biodegradable organic
energy may be converted to methane. Despite the great energy potential with
biogas production, several issues limit successful methane-to-electricity is
about 33%. Therefore, it is of great interest to explore alternative technologies
for sludge treatment and energy recovery. Electricity can be generated directly
from sludge. The amount of current increases when a readily biodegradable
substrate is added, indicating that the current is related to degradation of this
organic (acetate), and that it is microbially mediated. Based on several different
analytical techniques, there is no accumulation of a surface film of Geobacter
or other microorganisms.
2.1.8 Based on Materials and Methodology
Logan et al., (2013) used acetate as their source for power generation, having
concentration of 1g/L. They used pre acclimated bacteria from MFC and cube
shaped single chamber MFC having graphite fiber brush anode. The maximum
current density generated was 0.8 mA/cm2. (12)
10
Catal et al., (2014) used arbitol as one of the substrate for single chamber, air-
cathode microbial fuel cell, producing current density of 0.68 mA/cm2. They
used pre acclimated bacteria from MFC (13)
Dumas et al., (2014) used sodium fumarate and G.sulferreducens for his
stainless steel cathode based MFC and succeeded in producing current density
of 2.05 mA/cm2. (14)
Luo et al. (2008) used phenol of concentration 400mg/ml for his two chamber
and air cathode MFC. He successfully produced current density of 0.1 mA/cm2.
2.1.9 S.K. Dentel et al. (2004) observe that recently it has been shown that
electrical energy can be harvested from marine sediments, simply by
connection of an electrode (anode) in anaerobic marine sediments to an
electrode in the aerobic zone above the sediments. We have now shown that
similar applications are available in sludge treatment. Using a reactor with
graphite foil electrodes in an aerated aerobic and anaerobic sludge zone,
electrical current was generated, and enhanced when an additional organic
substrate (acetate) was added. Electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and PCR
examination of the anode surface showed no surface colonization and no
increase in Geo-bacterrelative to a control, indicating that microbial use of the
anode as an electron acceptor was indirect through the use of redox mediators.
2.1.10 Based on Experiment with complex substrates
Rodrigo et al. (2007) used real urban waste water of concentration of

330mg/ml in two chamber MFC and successfully generated current density of
0.018 mW/cm2. (17)
Oh and Logan (2005) used Food processing waste water for two chamber
MFC, having graphite electrode and generated a current density of 0.05
mW/cm2. (18)
11
2.2 Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)
A Microbial Fuel Cell or biological fuel cell is a bio-electrochemical system

that drives an electric current with degradation by using microbes. They can be
served for several purposes and their application in energy production and
waste treatment have attracted researchers in recent years thus it’s a promising
technology to address the future energy crisis and waste treatment.
2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELL
2.3.1 SINGLE CHAMBER
In single chamber MFC, anode and cathode are in the same chamber but on
opposite sides. A higher power density is obtained with single chamber
MFC compared to two chamber system due to a decrease in internal
resistance. Single –chamber MFCs have also the advantage of being less
expensive and simpler than double-chamber MFC [19]. (CEA) MFC is a
single-chamber MFC where anode and cathode are separated by cloth layer
(Figure 1.2). The minimum distance between the two electrodes reduces
internal resistance and consequently, increases power production.
Figure 3.1: Schematic diagram of CEA-MFC design.

12
2.3.2. DOUBLE CHAMBER
In two-chamber MFCs, anode and cathode chambers are separated by a

membrane or salt bridge. The oxidant at the cathode could be ferric cyanide
or permanganate or others [28] Oxygen could be used as well but it is less
efficient and requires energy for air spangling. Two-chamber MFCs are not
much sustainable due to the need of oxidant refilling in the cathode
chamber but though double chamber is one that well suited for studies on
laboratory scales.
Figure 3.2: Schematic diagram of Double Chamber-MFC design
2.3.3 MATERIALS
The need for wider application and increase power output of MFCs has
resulted to the alteration of the essential physical components of MFCs
which includes the anode, cathode and proton exchange membrane. The
following are various materials and components of Microbial Fuel Cell.
13
2.3.4 ANODE CHAMBER
In the Anode chamber, Electricigens which are active bacteria oxidize the
substrate to generate electrons and protons, and transport the electrons to the
anode electrode surface to form biofilm [19, 26]. These electrons travel to the
cathode through the external circuit while the protons travel to the cathode by
diffusing through the electrolyte and exchange membrane. And the electrodes
on anode chamber sometimes remains the same as one on cathode chamber and
some of anodic electrodes are Graphite anodes are the most abundantly used
one and its cost is also low. They are porous metal, therefore graphite anodes
used for MFC are pre-treated with oil or wax to prevent internal pores
deterioration by mechanical & chemical action on anode that cause softening
& swelling, oiling and waxing results in reduced penetration of the electrolyte
and increased mechanical strength [41]. Carbon paper and carbon cloths are
also used, mainly for the lab-scale study of current generations. In this present
study Anode chamber was designed to 500ml volume and the anode electrode
was chosen as carbon cloth electrode. The cathode chamber was maintained
anaerobic and air tight chamber and by which methanogen activity reduces the
results, a head space of 5cm maintained for gaseous collection. And thus only
300 ml of sample is taken for study.
2.3.5 CATHODE CHAMBER
The protons on passing to the cathode chamber forms water by combining

with the electrons and oxygen, with the aid of catalyst. The oxidant at the
cathode could be ferric cyanide or permanganate or others. Oxygen could
be used as well and requires energy for air spangling. And cathode
electrodes are as follows Cathode materials- Cathode are usually made up
of platinum, major concern is the optimization of MFC design in order to
maximize power output and reducing installation and operation costs
simultaneously. The cost of the Platinum catalyst used at the cathode is a
14
major limitation to MFC application and economic viability. On the
Concept of bio-cathodes that would use bacteria instead of Platinum as a
biocatalyst at the cathode. Sometime same anode and cathode materials are
used in the construction of MFC. The electrodes are made from carbon
rods, inert metals can also be used, metals such as copper, iron, zinc,
aluminium etc… Should be avoided as they may give rise to spurious
generation of current from electrochemical dissolution of the metal [18].
Solar energy can serve as an alternative energy source for MFC operation
proposed the concept of a ‘living solar cell’ in which the green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii produces hydrogen photo synthetically which
in turn is oxidized in situ to produce current. In this present study cathode
chamber was designed as similar to anode chamber of 500ml and cathode
electrode of carbon cloth electrode coated with platinum is used where
platinum act as catalyst.
2.3.6 PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE (PEM)

The Proton exchange membrane permits the passage of protons to the
cathode chamber. Nafion-117 a type of PEM developed for optimum
transport of proton generated in the anode chamber to the cathode chamber
due to its selectivity. Nafion-117 is expensive resulting to increase in unit
cost of MFC. The design of a cheaper PEM has been reported to me a major
factor to improve the unit cost of MFC [8]. PEM in some cases is called
CEM based on the fact that it allows for the transfer of other ions like Na+,
K+, NH4 +, Ca2+, and Mg2+ apart from proton. These competitive
transfers has been noted to inhibit proton transport through PEM including
the Nafion-117 And even salt bridge can be used as a proton exchange
membrane. In this present study Nafion-117 is chosen as Proton exchange
membrane and even a salt bridge of agarose and 1MKCl is tested for
economical evaluation of Microbial Fuel Cell.
15
2.3.7 SALT BRIDGE PREPARATION
Salt bridge is made of agar + salt. 100ml of distil water is taken in 250ml beaker
and put on the heating at 80°C, now 0.1g KCl is added as a salt and dissolved.
Provide continuous stirring and add 5 g agar slowly until the viscosity of the
solution rich to solidify. Cotton plugs are placed to the two side opening of the
salt bridge casing pipe and solution is immediately poured. Let it be until the
agar salt bridge is solidified completely. For 2 to 3 hours. Now salt bridge is
ready for operation.
2.3.8 ELECTRODE MATERIALS

Research has shown that the selection of material such as substrate, anode
and cathode electrode for MFC has a major effect on the efficiency of the
MFC [28]. The material affect key parameters of columbic efficiency (CE)
(the ratio of total electrons recovered as current, to maximum possible
electrons if all substrate removal produced current) .The basic properties
of the MFC electrode include biocompatibility, conductivity, non-
corrosive and surface area. Many materials that have found application as
electrode in MFCs include carbon paper, cloth, foam, and felt; graphite
rod, foil, brush and granules, activated carbon, reticulated vitreous carbon,;
metals, aluminium, nickel and stainless steel Carbon felt, platinum,
graphite-ceramic composite, cobalt, ash cement composite [9, 18, 20]. In
this present study anode with carbon cloth electrode and cathode with
carbon cloth electrode coated with platinum where platinum act as a
catalyst were taken for study.
2.3.9 SUBSTRATES
Substrate used for Electricity Generation Substrate is a key factor for

efficient production of electricity from a MFC. Substrate spectrum used
for electricity generation ranges from simple to complex mixture of
organic matter present in wastewater. Although substrate rich in complex
16
organic content helps in growth but simple substrates considered to be
good for immediate productive output. Acetate and Glucose are most
preferred substrate for basic MFC operations and electricity generation.
Ligno cellulosic biomass from agriculture residues are a good source for
electricity production in MFC. Another promising and most preferred
unusual substrate used in MFCs operations for power generation is
Brewery wastewater as it is supplemented with growth promoting organic
matter and devoid of inhibitory substances. Starch processing water can
be used to develop microbial consortium in MFC. Cellulose and Chitin
(from industrial and municipal wastewater), Synthetic or Chemical
wastewater, Dye wastewater and Landfill leachates are some
unconventional substrates used for electricity production via MFCs [23].
And anaerobic sludge from anaerobic digester is taken for the study which
was collected from a Sewage Treatment Plant in Nesapakkam , Tamilnadu
and stored in container at -10 C in order to ensure that no biological activity
to be happen before testing the samples.
2.3.10 MICROORGANISMS IN A MICROBIAL FUEL CELL
Microorganisms in the MFC breakdown organic or and inorganic substrates in

the anode chamber to produce and transfer electrons to an electrode surface,
this biochemical reaction generates proton also which migrate to the cathode
and combine with the electron and mainly oxygen as catholyte, which is
reduced at the cathode surface. This produces electricity and metabolizes the
wastewater which is mainly the MFC fuel, microbes acting as a catalyst on the
anode surface. Brevibacillus sp. found in abundant member of a MFC
community. Power production by Brevibacillus sp. is low unless it is cocultured
with a Pseudomonas sp. or supernatant from a MFC run with the Pseudomonas
sp. is added.
17
The intestinal tract of human and animals have been found to be the major
sources of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in nature [18], which could be shed
in feces. These pathogens may persist for days to weeks to months depending
on the type of pathogen, the medium and the environmental conditions.
Approximately 1% to 3% of all domestic animals are infected with Salmonellae
[12,19]. Furthermore, other nonbacterial pathogens that may be present with
fecal material include protozoa (Cyptosporidium and Giardia) and viruses
(Swine Hepatitis E- virus). The management and disposal of animal wastes
harboring such pathogens can increase the risk of infections and diseases that
threatens human health if these wastes are not properly treated and contained
[20]. Firmicutes and Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
Hansenula anomala, Shewanella oneidensis, Geothrix fermentans, Rhodoferax
ferrireducens, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, etc…are some bacteria that
can be used in MFC’s commonly used Microbes in Microbial Fuel Cells
(MFCs) usually mixed culture of microbes is used for anaerobic digestion of
substrate as complex mixed culture permits broad substrate utilization. But
there are some regular MFCs designs which explore metabolic tendency of
single microbial species to generate electricity. Organic component rich sources
(marine sediment, soil, wastewater, fresh water sediment and activated sludge)
are rich source of microbes that can be used in MFCs catalytic unit [15].
Bacteria used in MFCs with mediator or without mediators have been
extensively studied and reviewed (Table 1). Metal reducing and anodophilic
microorganisms show better opportunities for mediator-less operation of a
MFC.
18
Table 3.1: Types of Substrate and Microbes that can be used in MFC.
Microorganism waste source Aim
Clostridium Cellulosic waste Bioelectricity production

acetobutylicum and
Clostridium
thermohydrosulfuricum.
Yogurt bacteria and Waste carbohydrate

Bioelectricity production
methylene blue as mediator (manure sludge)
Pseudomonas putida, Glucose, Low Voltage Power

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Municipal waste, Generation, waste
Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Domestic waste Treatment
Escherichia coli and

Aspergillus niger
anaerobic mixed consortia Waste water, Bioelectricity production ,

Municipal waste, waste Treatment
Industrial waste,
Activated sludge
Mixed population (decay organics)

Bioelectricity production
Industrial waste
Shewanella putre-faciens (starch) Bioelectricity production

and wastewater treatment,
Geobacter sulpfur-reducens (acetate) Bioelectricity production

and waste water treatment
Synechococcus sp. Light as a fuel Bioelectricity production
19
2.4 WORKING PRINCIPLE OF MFC.
MFC explores metabolic potential of microbes for conversion of organic

Substrate into electricity by transferring electrons from cell to circuit. In
anodic chamber, oxidation of substrate in the absence of oxygen by
respiratory bacteria produce electron and proton that are passed onto
Cathode chamber terminal e- acceptor [O2, nitrate or Fe (III)] through
electron transport chain (ETC) [28]. However, in absence of e- acceptor in
a MFC, some microorganisms pass electron onto anode. An efficient
electron shuttle to anode can be achieved either by a spontaneous (direct)
or by means of some electron shuttling mediators. Direct electron transfer
to anode by bacteria requires some physical contact with electrode for
current generation. Line up between bacteria and anode surface involves
outer membrane bound cytochromes or putative conductive pili called
nanowires. Numbers of electron and proton fabricated depends upon
substrate utilized by microbes. Mediator-less MFCs have more commercial
potential as mediators are expensive and are sometimes toxic to
microorganisms. Electrode reactions in a MFC compartments are as
follows:
The reactions occurring at the anode and cathode are the following:
Anode: C6H12O6 + 6H2O 6CO2 +24H+ + 24e-
Cathode: O2 + 4H+ + 4e- 2H2O
If Acetate is used as substrate
Anodic reaction: CH3COO- + H2O → 2CO2+ 2H+ + 8e-
Cathode reaction: O2 +4e- +4H+ → 2H2O
20
If sucrose is used as substrate
Anodic reaction: C12H22O11 + 13H2O → 12CO2 + 48H+ + 48e-
Cathode reaction: O2 + 4e- + 4H- → 2H2O
Fig.3.3 Diagrammatic representation of Working of Microbial Fuel Cell
2.5 ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS
2.5.1 ADVANTAGES:
Wastewater Treatment and Electricity Generation
Due to unique metabolic assets of microbes, variety of microorganisms are

used in MFCs either single species or consortia. Some substrates (sanitary
wastes, food processing wastewater) are exceptionally loaded with organic
matter that itself feed wide range of microbes used in MFCs. MFCs using
certain microbes have a special ability to remove sulphides as required in
21
wastewater treatment. MFC substrates have huge content of growth
promoters that can enhance growth of bio-electrochemically active
microbes during wastewater treatment. This Simultaneous operation not
only reduces energy demand on treatment plant but also reduces amount of
unfeasible sludge produce by existing anaerobic production. MFCs
connected in series have high level of removal efficiency to treat leachate
with supplementary benefit of generating electricity.
Secondary Fuel Production
With minor modification, MFCs can be employed to produce secondary

fuels like hydrogen (H2) as an alternative of electricity. Under standard
experimental conditions, proton and electron produced in anodic chamber
get transferred to cathode, which then combines with oxygen to form water.
H2 generation is thermodynamically not favoured or it is a harsh process
for a cell to convert proton and electron into H2. Increase in external
potential applied at cathode can be competent to overcome thermodynamic
barrier in reaction and used for H2 generation. As a result, proton and
electron produced in anodic reaction chamber combine at cathode to form
H2. MFCs can probably produce extra H2 as compared to quantity that pull
off from classical glucose fermentation method36. H2 and methane
production by using microbial electrolytic cells that are modified MFC with
increased external potential at cathode [32]. Thus, MFCs provide a
renewable H2 to contribute to overall H2 demand in a H2 economy.
Treatment of cellulose containing wastewater
Apart from the treatment of soluble organic matter, it is interesting that

MFCs can be used for the treatment of cellulose containing wastewater to
generate electricity. Unlike typical soluble substrates that have been used
as electron donors in MFCs, cellulose is unique because it requires a
22
microbial consortium that can metabolize both an insoluble electron donor
(cellulose) and electron acceptor (electrode) [32]. The pure culture alone
could not produce any electricity from these substrates.
Biosensors
MFCs with replaceable anaerobic consortium could be used as a biosensor

for on-line monitoring of organic matter. Though diverse conventional
methods are used to calculate organic content in term of biological oxygen
demand (BOD) in wastewater, most of them are unsuitable for on-line
monitoring and control of biological wastewater treatment processes. A
linear correlation between Columbic yield of MFC and strength of organic
matter in wastewater makes MFC a possible BOD sensor [32]. Columbic
yield of MFC provides an idea about BOD of liquid stream that proves to
be an accurate method to measure BOD value at quite wide concentration
range of organic matter in waste water.
Generation of Energy Out of Bio-waste/Organic Matter
This feature is certainly the most ‘green’ aspect of microbial fuel cells.
Electricity is being generated in a direct way from bio wastes and organic
matter. This energy can be used for operation of the waste treatment plant, or
sold to the energy market. Furthermore, the generated current can be used to
produce hydrogen gas. Since waste flows are often variable, a temporary
storage of the energy in the form of hydrogen, as a buffer, can be desirable.
Direct Conversion of Substrate Energy to Electricity
As previously reported, in anaerobic processes the yield of high value

electrical energy is only one third of the input energy during the thermal
combustion of the biogas. While recuperation of energy can be obtained by
heat exchange, the overall effective yield still remains of the order of 30%.
23
2.5.2 LIMITATIONS
Low power density

The major limitations to implementation of MFCs for are their power density
is still relatively low and the technology is only in the laboratory phase. Based
on the potential difference, ΔE, between the electron donor and acceptor, a
maximum potential of nearly 1V can be expected in MFCs, which is not much
greater than the 0.7 V that is currently being produced [19]. However, by
linking several MFCs together, the voltage can be increased. Current and power
densities are lower than what is theoretically possible, and system performance
varies considerably. The maximum power density reported in the literature,
3600mW/m2, was observed in a dual-chamber fuel cell treating glucose with
an adapted anaerobic consortium in the anode chamber and a continuously
aerated cathode chamber containing an electrolyte solution that was formulated
to improve oxygen transfer to cathode
High Initial Cost:

A limiting factor to general MFC use is the high cost of materials, such as the
Nafion-117 membrane commonly used in laboratories as a proton permeable
membrane. Attempts are currently underway to produce low cost MFCs
constructed from earthen pots for use in India. By removing the proton
permeable membrane, utilizing locally produced 400 ml earthen pots, stainless
steel mesh cathodes and a graphite plate anode, each MFC unit could be
produced for INR 80. The earthen pot MFCs used sewerage sludge as an initial
inoculum and experiments were conducted using acetate as a carbon source.
While producing low levels of power, these devices could potentially be
incorporated in large numbers into oxidation ponds for the treatment of
concentrated wastewater while generating power. In areas where off grid
applications are required, even low power MFC devices may prove useful.
Current applications are all limited to low power level devices.
24
Up-scaling problems
Scale-up of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) will require a better understanding of
the effects of reactor architecture and operation mode on volumetric power
densities. We compared the performance of a smaller MFC (MFC, 28mL) with
a larger MFC (MFC, 520mL) in fed-batch mode. The SMFC produced
14Wm−3, consistent with previous reports for this reactor with an electrode
spacing of 4 cm. The MFC produced 16Wm−3, resulting from the lower average
electrode spacing (2.6 cm) and the higher anode surface area per volume
(150m2 m−3 vs. 25m2m−3 for the MFC). The effect of the larger anode surface
area on power was shown to be relatively insignificant by adding graphite
granules or using graphite fiber brushes in the MFC anode chamber [18].
Although the granules and graphite brushes increased the surface area. The
maximum power density in the MFC was only increased by 8% and these
results demonstrate that power output. can be maintained during reactor scale-
up; increasing the anode surface area and biofilm formation on the cathode do
not greatly affect reactor performance,
1. Several aspects needed for an efficient MFC are hampering up-
scaling.
2. The influent needs to reach the whole anode matrix sufficiently.
3. Protons need rapid diffusion towards the membrane.
4. Sufficient electrical contact needs to be established between
bacteria in suspension and the anode.
5. Sufficient voltage needs to be reached over the MFC to have a
useful power.
6. Instatement of an aeration device should be avoided.
Activation Losses:
Due to the activation energy needed for an oxidation/reduction reaction,
activation losses (or activation polarization) occur during the transfer of
25
electrons from or to a compound reacting at the electrode surface. This
compound can be present at the bacterial surface, as a mediator in the solution,
or as the final electron acceptor reacting at the cathode. Activation losses often
show a strong increase at low currents and steadily increase when current
density increases. Low activation losses can be achieved by increasing the
electrode surface area, improving electrode catalysis, increasing the operating
temperature, and through the establishment of an enriched biofilm on the
electrode(s).
Ohmic Losses.
The ohmic losses (or ohmic polarization) in an MFC include both the resistance
to the flow of electrons through the electrodes and interconnections, and the
resistance to the flow of ions through the CEM (if present) and the anodic and
cathodic electrolytes. Ohmic losses can be reduced by minimizing the electrode
spacing, using a membrane with a low resistivity, checking thoroughly all
contacts, and (if practical) increasing solution conductivity to the maximum
tolerated by the bacteria.
Bacterial Metabolic Losses:

To generate metabolic energy, bacteria transport electrons from a substrate at a
low potential through the electron transport chain to the final electron acceptor
(such as oxygen or nitrate) at a higher potential. In an MFC, the anode is the
final electron acceptorandits potential determines the energy gain for the
bacteria. The higher the difference between the redox potential of the substrate
and the anode potential, the higher the possible metabolic energy gain for the
bacteria, but the lower the maximum attainable MFC voltage. To maximize the
MFC voltage, therefore, the potential of the anode should be kept as low
(negative) as possible. However, if the anode potential becomes too low,
26
electron transport will be inhibitedandfermentation of the substrate (if possible)
may provide greater energy for the microorganisms.
Concentration Losses.
Concentration losses (or concentration polarization) occur when the rate of
mass transport of a species to or from the electrode limits current production.
Concentration losses occur mainly at high current densities due to limited mass
transfer of chemical species by diffusion to the electrode surface. At the anode
concentration losses are caused by either a limited discharge of oxidized
species from the electrode surface or a limited supply of reduced species toward
the electrode. This increases the ratio between the oxidized and the reduced
species at the electrode surface which can produce an increase in the electrode
potential. At the cathode side the reverse may occur, causing a drop in cathode
potential. In poorly mixed systems diffusional gradients may also arise in the
bulk liquid. Mass transport limitations in the bulk fluid can limit the substrate
flux to the biofilm, which is a separate type of concentration loss. By recording
polarization curves, the onset of concentration losses can be determined.
2.6 SCOPE FOR FURTHER STUDY

The study and development of MFC is still in initial phase. The fabricated MFC
has produced satisfying amount of voltage, though there is wide scope for
development of MFCs in terms of design and power output as for now the
power density is too low for their use in automobiles, electronic devices,
medical appliances and other industrial applications. Modification in design
components will provide improved results. High quality substrates can be used
in MFC that can provide high power to run electrical appliances. The
microorganisms which supply electrons can be modified genetically to provide
more efficient electron transfer to electrodes. Optimizing the process
parameters involved production of electricity can be increased. It is the matter
27
of proper electrodes, salt bridge, volume of anode chamber and an appropriate
resistance to produce high power. Since the use of catalyzed electrodes have
added most of the cost of fabrication and maintenance, different innovations
like bio cathodes can be applied as a substitute. High quality proton exchange
membranes can effectively increase the ion exchange without hindrance in the
electricity production. Nanoparticles may be incorporated in salt bridge,
cathode chamber or anode chamber which might boost up the output values.
Which might help to find the rate of reactions responsible for maximum and
minimum values of the observed parameters.
The advances in Microbial Fuel Cell may lead to production of secondary fuel
that can drive our fuel crisis and thus on further study can brighten our future
with all prosperity.
28
CHAPTER 3
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
3.1 GENERAL
Microbial Fuel Cell is custom designed to meet the requirements. A Microbial

Fuel Cell or biological fuel cell is a bio-electrochemical system that drives an
electric current with degradation by using microbes. They can be served for
several purposes and their application in energy production and waste treatment
have attracted researchers in recent years thus it’s a promising technology to
address the future energy crisis and waste treatment. The following are the
individual components of MFC designed for evaluation in this present study.
3.2. COMPONENTS OF MFC
3.2.1 Anode Chamber
The anode chamber is the anaerobic chamber which contains an inlet and
outlet provision and the anode chamber is filled with the substrate or
wastewater with microorganism. As a laboratory scale we intended to
design an anode chamber with a volume of 500ml. A head space of 5cm is
taken to control the methanogen activity that might affect the performance.
3.2.2 Cathode Chamber
The cathode chamber is an aerated chamber which is kept open or provided

with external air through air Spangler. External oxygen serves as an
electron acceptor which will readily accept the electrons from anode
chamber and combine with protons to form water. Cathode chamber was
designed as same as anode chamber with a volume of 500 ml with outlet
valves and provisions for aeration.
29
3.2.3 Proton exchange membrane
Proton exchange membrane act as a membrane that transport protons from

anode chamber to cathode chamber. Both the anode and cathode chamber
have contact with the proton exchange membrane. Effective transport of
protons from anode to cathode is to be accomplished so for an effective
working thus a proton exchange membrane Nafion-117 is bought from
Sainergy Fuel Cell India ltd, as to fit the designed the anode and cathode
chamber. And a salt bridge is prepared to construct a natural proton
exchange membrane with agarose and Potassium chloride in a PVC pipe to
investigate the performance and to make membrane economical for
practical application of Microbial Fuel Cell
3.2.4 Anode and Cathode Electrodes
Electrodes have been chosen with immense study on previous literatures.

Greater the surface area of electrodes greater is the results and thus we
decided to choose an electrode with greater surface area and bought carbon
cloth electrode from Sainergy Fuel Cell India ltd, and also Gaphite rod
electrode from Schutz Carbon Electrode pvt ltd in rder study the
performance of both electrodes.
3.2.5 SUBSTRATE:
Sewage sludge was collected from the anaerobic digester in Nesapakkam

sewage treatment plant, Tamilnadu, and The sludge was collected sampling
containers and stored in -10 C such that there is no much of metabolism take
place, before experiments sludge is fermented in the dark at 32 ± 2 ºC after
purging with nitrogen gas for 10 minutes. Samples were collected at 0, 48, 72,
144 hours, centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes, filtered, and adjusted to pH
7.0 using NaOH for MFC experiments.
30
3.3 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
In order to evaluate the performances of MFC. Two experimental set-up was
constructed in which MFC-1 with Graphite rods and Salt Bridge with agarose
and 1MKCl and was constructed to study the possibility of Current generation
and not for evaluation purpose but to propose an economical prototype for
marketing. Another MFC-2 with CEA (Cloth electrode assembly) and PEM
(proton exchange membrane) which is taken for evaluation.
3.3.1 MFC-1
Setup is designed to state the cost-effective basic design, keeping in mind that
the project is the initial efforts to reveal the potential of the MFC technology
for wastewater treatment. Setup is to be constructed in acrylic plastic with the
silicone as sealant.
It was really necessary to gain considerable output even at very first attempt,
volume of MFC is decided to be 500 millilitres each chamber. Dimensions are
determined such that the electrodes and inlet outlet can be positioned. From the
literature survey, solid graphite electrodes are found cheap at the same time
efficient as well.
Fig: 3.3 Photographic view showing MFC-1 experimental setup.
31
Anaerobic chamber has a lid arrangement to completely seal the chamber so
that anaerobic system can be maintained. Lid is having provisions for inlet of
wastewater and electrode wire and sealed with silicone paste after placing feed
pipe and wire. For the removal of wastewater outlet is given at the bottom.
Aerobic chamber is open and have air springer and electrode.
3.3.2 MFC-2 (CEA- MFC)
Setup is designed to state the basic design of a double chamber Microbial Fuel
Cell, keeping in mind that the project is the initial efforts to reveal the potential
of the MFC technology for wastewater treatment. Setup is to be constructed
from inert material avoid inhibition of microbial activity. For that purpose
material of construction in Peli-glass laser cutted with the gaskets and end
plates bolted with bolts and wing nuts.
It was really necessary to gain considerable output even at very first attempt,
volume of MFC is decided to be 500 millilitres each chamber. Dimensions are
determined such that the electrodes and inlet outlet can be positioned. Carbon
cloth electrode at anode and carbon cloth electrode coated with platinum as
catalyst at cathode chamber. Both the anode and cathode chamber are separated
by proton exchange membrane called Nafion-117.
Anaerobic chamber has gasket arrangement to completely seal the chamber so

that anaerobic system can be maintained. Lid is having holes for pouring
wastewater and electrode wire. But sealed with silicone plunge after placing
feed pipe and wire. For the removal of wastewater pneumatic outlet is given at
the bottom of anode and cathode chamber.
Aerobic chamber is open and have air springer and electrode.
The anode and cathode chambers are connected using end plates with gaskets
bolted with wing nuts so as to ensure air tight and from leakages.
32
Fig 3.4 Photographic view showing MFC-2 Experimental setup at day 1
Fig 3.5 Photographic view showing MFC-2 Experimental setup at day 6
33
3.3.3 OPERATING PH AND TEMPERATURE
During the operation pH is maintained at 7.0 ± 0.5. Decrease in pH will
reduce the output voltage. Whole project experimentation is carried out at
room temperature i.e. 25 ± 5 °C.
3.3.4 MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE

For a maximized performance of MFCs, readily available soluble COD is also
required. This demands solutions for the pre-treatment of the organics to be
used as fuel for bacteria, provided a considerable fraction is not readily
biodegradable. In addition to that, better proton selective membranes, optimum
mass transfer and better cathodes are also needed to overcome factors limiting
MFC performance. Whether to use a membrane or not is now under discussion.
To improve the cathodic performance, some metal oxides combined with

carbon [7, 16,18] or some special materials, such as fullerenes, are proposed as
good candidates for the construction of the cathode.
3.4 MONITORING AND ANALYSIS
3.4.1 MONITORING OF MFCS

The current (I) in the MFC circuit was monitored at 24hr intervals using
multimeter for 6 days continuously with daily feed as 50mg of sample and
added to it .The samples were drawn from the chambers at 0, 48, 72, 144 hours,
centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes, filtered, and adjusted to pH 7.0 using
NaOH for MFC experiments [17]. And analysed for the variation of wastewater
characteristics. Analytical procedures followed were those outlined in Standard
Methods for the examination of water and wastewater characteristics (1995).
34
3.4.2 ANALYSIS
Influent and effluent samples were analyzed for chemical oxygen demand
(COD), pH, dissolve oxygen (DO), alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS) at
0, 48, 72, 144 hours for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Suspended solids
(SS) and Volatile suspended solids (VSS) in the influent and effluent . And the
potential and current and power were measured using a digital multimeter daily.
Table represents the characteristics to be determined in finding treatability of
sewage sludge and procedures are as follows,
Table 3.3: Characteristics to be determined from the substrate
Sr. Testes to be performed Apparatus

No.
1. COD by open reflux method COD apparatus & Glassware
3. PH PH Paper
4. Volatile suspended Solids With filter paper and oven
5. Total Solids With filter paper and oven
1. CHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (COD)
Most of the organic matters are destroyed when boiled with a mixture
of potassium dichromate and sulphuric acid producing carbon dioxide and
water. A sample is refluxed with a known amount of potassium dichromate in
sulphuric acid medium and the excess of dichromate is titrate against ferrous
ammonium sulphate. The amount of dichromate consumed is proportional to
the oxygen required to oxidize the oxidizable organic matter [21].
Procedure
Place 0.4g HgSO4 in a reflux tube. Add 20ml or an aliquot sample diluted to
20 ml with distilled water. Mix well, so that chlorides are converted into poorly
ionized mercuric chloride. Add 10ml standard K2Cr2O7 solution and then add
35
slowly 30 ml sulphuric acid which already containing silver sulphate. Mix well,
if the colour turns green, take a fresh sample with smaller aliquot. Final
concentration of concentrated H2SO4 should always 18N.
Connect the tubes to condenser and reflux for 2 h at 150 oC. Cool and wash
down the condensers with 60ml distilled water. Cool and titrate against
standard ferrous ammonium sulphate using ferroin as indicator. Near the end
point of the titration color changes sharply from green blue to wine red. Reflux
blank simultaneously with the sample under identical conditions.
Calculation
COD, mg/l = (V1-V2)*N*8000 / V0
Where,
V1 = volume of Fe (NH4)2 (SO4)2 required for titration against the blank, in ml;
V2 = volume of Fe (NH4)2(SO4)2 required for titration against the sample, in ml;
N = Normality of Fe (NH4)2(SO4)2;
V0 = volume of sample taken for testing, in ml.
2. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Principle:-
A well-mixed sample is filtered through a weighed standard glass-fiber filter
and the residue retained on the filter is dried to a constant weight at 103 to
105°C. The increase in weight of the filter represents the total suspended solids.
If the suspended material clogs the filter and prolongs filtration, it may be
necessary to increase the diameter of the filter or decrease the sample volume.
To obtain an estimate of total suspended solids, calculate the difference
between total dissolved solids and total solids.
Calculation:-
36
Total Suspended Solids, mg/L = (A – B) x 1,000,000/ C
Where: A = final weight of filter + residue in grams
B = final weight of filter in grams
C = mL of sample filtered
3. Volatile Suspended Solids
If VSS is to be determined, carry the TSS blanks and necessary duplicates

through the VSS analysis. To perform VSS, place the TSS filter aluminum pans
(including method blank and duplicate(s)) in a furnace at 550ºC for 15 minutes
using a timer, place them in a desiccator for at least 35 minutes, and weigh
filters individually. Record this weight in a separate logbook for VSS.
Volatile Suspended Solids, mg/L = (A – B) x 1,000,000 / C
Where: A = final weight from TSS analysis
B = final weight of filter after firing
C = mL of sample filtered
37
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 GENERAL
The following are the experimental results taken in laboratory on Microbial

Fuel Cell. The microbial fuel cell working for six continuous days is evaluated
are three set of results 1.To determine the initial characteristics of the sewage
sludge sample 2. Evaluating for maximum voltage, maximum current,
maximum generated power and 3. Treatability parameters using Analytical
procedures followed as outlined in Standard Methods for the examination of
water and wastewater characteristics (1995).
4.2 THE INITIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SUBSTRATE
Sewage sludge was collected from the anaerobic digester in Nesapakkam

sewage treatment plant, Tamilnadu, and the sludge is fermented in the dark at
32 ± 2 ºC after purging with nitrogen gas for 10 minutes. Samples were
collected at 0, 48, 144 hours, centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes, filtered,
and adjusted to pH 7.0 using NaOH for MFC experiment and initial analysis of
sludge given as input in Microbial Fuel Cell is tested for several characteristics
and as follows,
Table 4.1: characteristics of sludge sample in MFC-2
SI. No Characteristics MFC-2

1 PH 7
2 Colour Greyish
3 Total Suspended solids (g/L) 6.9 ± 2
4 Volatile Suspended Solids (g/L) 6.1 ± 2
5 COD (g/L) 16.7 ± 7
4.3 EVALUATION OF ELECTICITY GENERATION
38
MFC was operated for 21 hours, consecutively for 6 days and DC voltage and
current was measured using multimeter at an interval of 1.5 hrs. For 6 days.
While the corresponding power was calculated by using formula P=V.I.
4.3.1 VOLTAGE GENERATEDIN AN OPEN CIRCUIT
1. Amount of voltage generated on day-1
Fig: 4.1 Voltage generated on Day 1
On first day of operation it’s evident that the system is working as there is a
voltage increase and voltage drop is identified. A voltage of maximum 0.45V
achieved in first day but there’s not incremental advancement in voltage rather
there is drop and a sudden peak value of 0.45V and again a sudden drop and
then on a continuous steady progression is seen, the sudden drop in voltage and
sudden increase in voltage indicated that in an open circuit due to ohmic loss
and columbic loss occurs which can be counteracted by adding a resistor to the
circuit. The microorganism present in the substrate is capable of slow
39
metabolism and thus the voltage increase is gradual and after few hours there
is a decrease in voltage which shows that metabolism by microorganism is not
immediate and it’s a slow process.
On second day of operation there is gradual increase in voltage which at a point

of stage tends to achieve a peak of 0.52V and all of sudden falls down with
0.4V, this reduction in voltage is may be due to inactivity of microorganism or
inadequate substrate for microorganism. And all of sudden there is a sudden
increment in voltage from 0.45V to 0.52V and thereafter there is a gradual
increase in voltage. A maximum of 0.53V is noted on day-2.
Compared to first day there in a decrease in voltage is seen through there is a

increase for few hours and again they occurs a decrease in voltage which in
turn responsible for more power.

40
Fig: 4.3 Voltage generated on day-3
On day-3 a gradual increase is seen for few hours and a sudden detrimental
voltage is recorded this might be due to change in temperature or accumulation
of gas in anode chamber. Hence the gases are collected from the anode chamber
and the lid is closed immediately. Then a gradual increase in voltage of 0.55V
is recorded
41
On fourth day there is gradual increase in voltage from 0.35V to 0.6v and there
is decrement in voltage which may due to slow in metabolism and hence a 0.1
gm. of glucose is added as a source of carbon and then there is an increment is
noticeable.
On fifth day its noted that there is abrupt increase in voltage and this increase
in voltage shown that the anaerobic microorganism have good growth in the
anaerobic chamber and metabolism is so increasing in turn increases voltage.
There might be an increase in voltage due to complex degradation of COD is
achieved and it is easy to degrade simple organic compounds which will
generate more electrons to flow. And a maximum voltage of 0.80v is recorded.
42
Fig 4.6 Voltage generated on Day 6.
On day-6 there is a gradual decrease in voltage which indicates that there is no

more substrate for metabolism and thus there is a decrease in voltage, when a
substrate is added to it we noted an increase in voltage once again. And a
maximum of about 0.60V is obtained in day-6
TABLE 4.2: Maximum Voltage generated from day 1-6.
DAY MAX.VOLTAGE (V)

1 0.458
2 0.524
3 0.533
4 0.67
5 0.804
6 0.553
43
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
1 2 3 4 5 6
DAYS
0.85
0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
1 2 3 4 5 6
DAYS
Fig: 4.7 Maximum Voltage generated from Day 1- 6.
Generated voltage
Voltage generated by anaerobic sludge using double chamber MFC was

recorded at an interval of 1&1/2 Hr per day for the entire time period of 6
44
days as shown in Fig 4-9. The maximum generated voltage in each of the six
days is depicted in Table 3. It is observed that there was a definitive increase
in the generated voltage from day 1 to day 5 and then a decline in trend is
observed on day 6. The maximum generated voltage at day 5 was 0.804V
and the minimum generated voltage of 0.478 V was observed on day 1. The
voltage measured was open circuit voltage since the external resistance is not
used.
4.3.2 Current generated in an open circuit
1. Amount of current generated on day-1
0.008
0.007
0.006
0.005
0.004
0.003
0 5 10 15 20 25
TIME (HOURS)
Fig 4.8 Current generated on Day 1
45
1.2. Amount of current generated on day-2
0.010
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
0.000
0 5 10 15 20 25
TIME (HOURS)
Fig 4.10: Current generated on Day 3
46
On third day of operation there is increase in current and with hour the current
decreases and attains a steady state and this shows that there is steady
production of electrons in anode chamber without an internal resistance.
0.010
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
0.000
0 5 10 15 20 25
TIME (hours)
Fig 4.11 Current generated on Day 4.

On fourth day of operation there is gradual increase in current and with hour
the current decreases and again increase in current is seen which shows that
there is a fluctuation due to pH of the substrate.
47
On fifth day of operation there is gradual increase in current and with hour the
current increases which shows that there is a upstream in current generation
due growth of microorganism and degradation of substrate is maximum.
6. Amount of current generated on day -6
0.0090
0.0085
0.0080
0.0075
0.0070
0.0065
0.0060
0.0055
0 5 10 15 20 25
TIME (HOURS)
Fig 4.13: Current generated on Day 6
On sixth day of operation there is gradual increase in current and with hour the
current increases which shows that there is a minimum voltage produced and
hence there is an upstream in current generation which is because of low
internal resistance through open circuit.
Table 4.3 Maximum Current from day 1-6.
DAY MAX.CURRENT (µA)

1 0.008
2 0.0076
3 0.0094
4 0.0097
5 0.0105
6 0.0088
48
0.0105
0.0100
0.0095
0.0090
0.0085
0.0080
0.0075
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
DAYS
0.010
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
0.000
1 2 3 4 5 6
DAYS
Fig 4.14 Maximum Current generated from Day 1- 6
49
Generated current
Current generated by anaerobic sludge using double chamber MFC was

recorded at an interval of 1&1/2 hr per day for the entire time period of 6 days
as shown in Fig 11-16. The maximum generated current in each of the six days
is depicted in Table 4. It is observed that there was a definitive increase in the
generated current from day 1 to day 5 and then a decline in trend is observed
on day 6. The maximum generated current at day 5 was 0.0105µA and the
minimum generated current of 0.076 µA was observed on day 1. The current
measured was open circuit voltage since the external resistance is not used.
Hence the voltage generated was due to internal impedance, which seemed to
be very high in the range of mega ohms.
4.3.3 Power generated in an open circuit

1. Amount of power calculated in day-1
0.0026
0.0024
0.0022
0.0020
0.0018
0.0016
0.0014
0.0012
0.0010
0.0008
0.0006
0.0004
0 5 10 15 20 25
TIME (HOURS)
Fig 4.15: Power generated on Day1

On first day of operation the power generation was gradually increasing as fresh
substrate begins to degrade and microorganism are active in their metabolism.
But there is fluctuation in power due to some ohmic loss and concentration loss
50
and since the circuit is open circuit and hence prone to fluctuations due to
voltage drop.
2. Amount of power calculated on day-2
51
On third day of operation there is decrease in power and with hour the power
increases and attains a steady state and this shows that there is steady
production of electrons from substrate.
On the fourth day of operation there are several peaks and several down streaks
were plotted which might be due to change in pH level which affect the growth
of microbes and decrease the organic content by COD removal.
52
On the fifth day of operation there seen an gradual increase in power generation
and at the end of day there is a slight decrease in power generation which might
be due to temperature change that effect the microorganism and increase in pH
level may cause a fluctuation
On the sixth day of power generation shows that there is a fluctuation in power
and not continuous steady power generation is attained as there will no substrate
present for metabolism and thus no power generation is achieved. In order to
confirm that only due to lack of substrate there is low power 0.1 gm. glucose is
added as substrate after which there is an immediate increase in power.
Table 4.4: Maximum Power generated from Day1- 6
DAY MAX. Power (W)
1 0.002422
2 0.003858
3 0.003715
4 0.003715
5 0.008442
6 0.0067
53
0.009
0.008
0.007
0.006
0.005
0.004
0.003
0.002
1 2 3 4 5 6
Days
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
0.000
1 2 3 4 5 6
DAYS
Fig 4.21 Maximum generated voltage, current, power from day 1- 6.
The maximum generated voltage, current, power is observed to have

similar characteristics from day 1-6. The pattern of their increase and
decrease are also follows the similar trend. On day 5, all the parameters
measured are observed to have maximum value while on day 1 the
minimum values are obtained except in the case of maximum current
which might be due to high impedance of substrate resulted because of
improper mixing of substrate and water.
54
4.4 TREATABILITY PARAMETERS
The characteristics of the sludge at initial stages were analysed before

feeding into the microbial fuel cell in order to compare the efficiency of
waste treatment via microbial fuel cell. A sample of waste water is collected
daily at end and tested for Chemical Oxygen Demand, Volatile suspended
solids, Total Suspended Solids, and PH by Analytical procedures followed
as outlined in Standard Methods for the examination of water and wastewater
characteristics (1995).
The following are the Analytic test procedures for testing of characteristics
of wastewater.
4.2.1 Initial characteristics of anaerobic sludge
Anaerobic sludge was collected from a sewage treatment plant in Nesapakkam,

Tamilnadu and fermented for microbial growth and analysed for initial
characteristics. The initial parameters are obtained from the time of sludge
collection form the treatment plant on that week of report.
In order to maintain the microbial growth and control the methanogenic gas
samples were stored in refrigerator at 100.
The initial parameters of the sludge are as follows
Table 4.5 Initial parameters of anaerobic sludge

1 PH 7
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 16.7 ± 7
55
4.3 Evaluation on Treatability of Sewage Sludge
1. Characteristics of sludge on day-1
Table 4.6: Characteristics of sewage sludge on day 1

1 PH 7
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 14.2 ± 7
On day one a small amount of COD removal is seen which prove that the
system is working and removal of volatile and total suspended solids show that
mixed culture of microbes is capable of removing substrates like cadmium,
Sulphur, ammonia in wastewater. And on day-1 about 8% COD is removed
though not much power is achieved on day-1 shows microbial activity is
sometimes act on specific organic removal.
Table 4.7: Characteristics of sewage sludge on day-2
SI .No Characteristics MFC-2

1 PH 7
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 12.78 ± 7
56
On the second day of operation there seen a similar characteristics as found
on day-1 with same 7% removal efficiency. Thus though there is not much
power generated through microbial fuel cell there is steady and continuous
efficiency in removal of organic compounds.
Table 4.8: Characteristics of sewage sludge on day 3

1 PH 8
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 11.2 ± 7
On the third day of operation the parameters show that volatile solids were
removed to about only 1% which shows that there is certain bacteria for certain
removal of compounds which were higher at initial stages and later found to be
decreasing. One of most important change in day-3 was there is an increase in
PH level from 7 to 8 was determined.
Table 4.9: Characteristics of sewage sludge on day-4

1 PH 8
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 10.3 ± 7
57
On fourth day of operation the COD removal is attained to 12% and TSS of
10% which once again proves that there is a steady removal of biological
compounds. But VSS removal is limited as there are more complex volatile
substances that are not easily degradable.
Fig 4.10: Characteristics of sewage sludge on day 5

1 PH 8.5
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 9.9 ± 7
On the fifth day of operation the ph level increase from 8 to 8.5 which shows
that the waste becomes more alkaline that on initial stages and COD removal
is removed as on previous days with similar efficiency thus its evident that
COD removal in Microbial Fuel Cell is more efficient that conventional
anaerobic digestion.
Fig 4.11: Characteristics of sewage sludge on day-6

1 PH 9
2 Colour Greyish
5 COD (g/L) 9.2 ± 7
58
On the sixth day of operation removal efficiency of COD alone remains the
same as of first day but TSS , VSS removal were achieved to about 7% And
COD being removed up to 50% compared to first day.
4.4 DISCUSSIONS
1. Generated voltage
Voltage generated by anaerobic sludge using double chamber MFC was

as shown in Fig 4-9. The maximum generated voltage in each of the six days
generated voltage from day 1 to day 5 and then a decline in trend is observed
on day 6. The maximum generated voltage at day 5 was 0.804 V and the
minimum generated voltage of 0.478 V was observed on day 1. The voltage
2. Generated current
Current generated by anaerobic sludge using double chamber MFC was

recorded at an interval of 1&1/2 hr. per day for the entire time period of 6 days
generated current from day 1 to day 5 and then a decline in trend is observed
on day 6. The maximum generated current at day 5 was 0.0105µA and the
minimum generated current of 0.076 µA was observed on day 1. The current
Hence the voltage generated was due to internal impedance, which seemed to
be very high in the range of mega ohms.
3. Generated power
59
Power generated by anaerobic sludge using double chamber MFC was
generated voltage from day 1 to day 5 and then a decline in trend is observed
on day 6. The maximum generated current at day 5 was 0.008442µW and the
minimum generated voltage of 0.003853 µW was observed on day 1. The
power measured was open circuit power since the external resistance is not
used.
4. Analysis of COD Removal in MFC.

A Short -term investigation was conducted on the technical performance of
MFCs used to treat sewage sludge. The MFCs satisfactorily reduced of both
organics and suspend solids. About 45% of COD is removed in six days HRT
and TSS of 30% with VSS of 45%.
The total energy production from sewage sludge in the two-stage MFC system
was comparable to that of anaerobic digesters; however, direct electricity
generation had a minor contribution while energy from biogas still dominated
the overall energy production. It will be very challenging to apply MFC
technology to treat primary sludge; but MFCs may be used to polish the
digested effluent from anaerobic digesters, offering potential benefits in energy
savings compared with aerobic treatment.
60
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
5.1 GENERAL
Due to rapid depletion and escalation of prices of conventional fossil fuel, the
whole world is urgently looking for an alternative source of energy, which is
renewable and can be produced in an economical manner. In this context,
energy produced from a potential organic bio-waste is an attractive option.
Keeping this view, the present work has been undertaken to produce electrical
energy from anaerobic sludge as bio-waste in microbial fuel cell. The main
outcomes of this project work is described below-
1. In the first phase of project work, a Microbial Fuel Cell was successfully
constructed and the anaerobic substrate i.e. Sewage sludge is analysed for their
initial characteristics.
2. In the second phase, experiment was conducted with a CEA –MFC to

generate energy from Sewage sludge, which was used as a substrate for MFC.
The whole system was connected to multimeter for obtaining précised readings
of voltage and current and power is calculated from the observed voltage and
current.
3. In the third phase, generated voltage, current, and power are plotted and
discussed on the maximum values, parameters obtained were 0.804V,
0.0105µA, 0.008442µW.
4. In the fourth phase the performance of Microbial Fuel Cell in COD, TSS,
and VSS removal is done which shows that about 45% of COD, TSS of 30%
with VSS of 45% is removed in six days of HRT.
Overall, this study has shown that the constructed microbial fuel cell can be
used for the generation of electricity from sewage sludge and possibly other
waste.
61
5.2 Proposal for Anaerobic Digester coupled with MFC configuration
5.2.1 GENERAL
Although the MFCs achieved good sludge reduction that is important to sludge
treatment, energy production is a key parameter to evaluate whether MFC
technology is suitable for treating primary sludge, because primary sludge is
usually treated for energy recovery in anaerobic digesters. Energy production
in MFCs, including those treating sludge, has not been properly presented
before. Most prior studies only showed power production, which is not an
energy parameter. In addition, methane production has not been well monitored
in the sludge-fed MFCs. In this study, presented a better picture of energy
production in the sludge-fed MFCs. Although the total energy production in the
two-stage MFC system was comparable to that of anaerobic digesters, we do
not think MFCs are efficient energy producers from primary sludge at this
moment. Our results show that direct production of electric energy has a minor
contribution to the overall energy production, which is still dominated by
methane gas.
The low Electric Currents also confirm that the majority of organic removal
was not associated with direct electricity generation; therefore, the MFCs fed
with the primary sludge act mostly as the ‘‘modified’’ anaerobic digesters.
Thus a proposal for modification of anaerobic digester with MFC configuration

to enhance power and waste treatability in primary sludge or secondary sludge.
This will benefit in much more energy production compared to AD and even
more energy compared to MFC only. Thus a modification in Anaerobic
Digester coupled with MFC configuration can be definite solution for energy
and waste treatment. Fig 7.1 represents the modification of Anaerobic Digester.
62
Fig: 5.1 proposed models for the integration of anaerobic digestion and
Microbial Fuel Cells for the treatment of wastewaters.
A – for domestic wastewater, B- for Industrial and Municipal Wastewater
Note: AD- Anaerobic Digestion, MFC- Microbial Fuel Cell, WTP-
Wastewater Treatment Process
While conventional AD can be applied on an industrial scale to treat high

strength substrates at temperatures above 30°C, the niche applications of MFCs
are to be sought in low concentrated substrates and low temperature
conversions. A number of factors still limit the application spectrum of MFCs.
In order to overcome the limitations of MFCs, making the technology practical
and economically feasible as well as sustainable, the key research and
development features for the future are 1. New materials for better
configurations of MFCs, particularly dry cathodes that have a high affinity to
oxygen and use gaseous oxygen directly from the air; 2. Low capex, meaning
low material costs as well as low operational costs. 3. A reliable output of “non-
commodity” electricity produced by MFCs.
63
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from various wastewaters through microbial fuel cell technology”,
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3. Aelterman, P. (2009) Microbial fuel cells for the treatment of waste
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distillery wastewater using single chamber and double chambered
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Project Report On Microbial Fuel Cell

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ENERGY RECOVERY FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE USING

MICROBIAL FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree

MAILAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

Submitted for the main project viva-voce examination held on 12 - 04 - 2016

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

We wish to record our sincere thanks to our Chairman Er.M.DHANASEKARAN,

We thank our Guide Dr.S.SUNDARARAMAN, M.Tech.,Ph.D.., for his valuable

converts energy of chemical bond of biodegradable compound into electricity

applications but very recent researches are more focused on wastewater

treatment and biosensor technology.

type MFC is used in study because it is best for preliminary experimental

purpose. The anoxic anode chamber is connected internally to the cathode

chamber via a proton exchange membrane with the circuit completed by an

The project report presents experimental setup construction, setup run

prerequisites and results. In whole project we are aiming to check maximum

generated Voltage, Current and Power and treatability of anaerobic sewage

simultaneous energy generation. The report presents the study done to

understand various aspects of design and operation of MFC and how it is

implemented to make an experimental setup of MFC as well as feasibility and

benefits of MFC technology for wastewater treatment with electricity

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE NO.

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

1. Types of Substrate and Microbes that can be used in MFC. 19

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE NO.

1. Maximum Voltage generated from 43

Sl.no abbreviations words

3 CEA Cloth electrode assembly

4 ETC Electron transport chain

5 TSS Total suspended solids

7 BOD Biological oxygen demand

8 C.S.A Cross sectional area

10 COD Chemical oxygen demand

11 KCl Potassium chloride

15 MFC Microbial fuel cell

17 NaCl Sodium chloride

18 PEM Proton exchange membrane

1.2 ENERGY FROM SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS:

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-developed technology to generate

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a new technology to directly produce

To address those serious problems, advances in research have been made

1. Microbial Fuel Cell is a promising technology for wastewater

2. Microbial fuel cell is capability of producing direct electricity from

5. Availability of raw material- This technology uses microbes as raw

6. Biosensor- Apart from the mentioned applications, another potential

Because of the complexity of this project it is important to fulfil very basic

1. To analyse the characteristics of Substrate i.e. Anaerobic sludge chosen

3. To determine the Maximum current generated from Secondary sewage

4. To calculate the Maximum power generated from the produced voltage

5. To study the monitoring parameters such as COD, TSS, VSS removal at

6. To propose a feasible method for anaerobic sludge treatment with more

2.1.8 Based on Materials and Methodology

2.1.10 Based on Experiment with complex substrates

Rodrigo et al. (2007) used real urban waste water of concentration of

A Microbial Fuel Cell or biological fuel cell is a bio-electrochemical system

2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

2.3.1 SINGLE CHAMBER

Figure 3.1: Schematic diagram of CEA-MFC design.

In two-chamber MFCs, anode and cathode chambers are separated by a

Figure 3.2: Schematic diagram of Double Chamber-MFC design

2.3.5 CATHODE CHAMBER