Energy generation from domestic wastewater using sandwich dual-chamber microbial fuel cell with mesh current collector cathode

A sandwich domestic wastewater-fed dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed for energy generation and wastewater treatment. The generated power density by the MFC was observed to increase with increasing chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the domestic wastewater. The maximum power density was 251 mW m−2 when the COD was 3400 mg L−1 at a current density of 0.054 mA cm−2 and external resistance of 200 Ω. These values dropped to 60 mW m−2 (76 % lower) and 0.003 mA cm−2 using wastewater 91 % diluted to 300 mg L−1 COD. Maximum removals were: COD, 89 %; nitrite, 60 %; nitrate, 77 %; total nitrogen, 36 %; and phosphate, 26 %. Coulombic efficiency ranged from 5 to 7 %. The use of full-strength domestic wastewater reduces cost, and with improved reactor design, the ultimate goal of large-scale operation could be achieved.