Novel reactor design as an integral solution: microbial fuel cell and wastewater treatment system

Abstract

In this study, a new MFC reactor design is presented with the peculiarity of its novel working principle and its enhanced wastewater treatment potential. The system is first tested using synthetic wastewater (acetate) and later, under theoretical real conditions using brewery industry wastewater. In the first case, over 90% chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction is reached after two days of treatment and a maximum power density of 11 W/m3 is extracted at a current density of 40 A/m3, although it is to say that results could have been much better if some faults had been avoided in time. In the second case, COD removal is around 90% after two days of operation. Minerals’ concentrations reduction is relevant, as well, eliminating phosphate and ammonia traces respectively up to 90% and 100% after 4-5 days of treatment. However, a nitrification process is observed, increasing nitrate concentration up to around 10 mg/l after the same treatment length. The maximum power density extracted is of 4,5 W/m3 at a current density of 16,5 A/m3.