OPTIMIZATION OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELL PERFORMANCE: EFFECTS OF EXTERNAL RESISTORS AND PH USING ABATTOIR WASTEWATER
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) offer a sustainable method for generating electricity from waste materials while treating wastewater. However, their efficiency is influenced by various operational parameters. This study addresses the problem of optimizing MFC performance by investigating the effects of external resistance and substrate pH on voltage, current, power, power density, and current density in dual-chamber MFCs using abattoir wastewater. The aim is to identify optimal conditions for maximizing power output and stabilizing microbial growth. The methodology involves operating MFCs under batch anaerobic conditions for 15 days, with experiments conducted at varying external resistances (10?, 100?, 200?, 470?, 1000?) and initial pH values (6, 7, 8, and 9). Results demonstrate that a high-power output of 21.1 mW·m^-2 was achieved at pH 9 with the highest bacterial count of 7.9×10^7 CFU/ml, indicating significant microbial activity and a voltage of 350 mV over a 1000 ? resistor. The study recommends adjusting initial substrate pH to stabilize MFC performance by controlling microbial activity and reducing methanogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing external resistance and pH to enhance the efficiency of MFCs for practical applications in renewable energy generation and environmental remediation.
Authors : Haruna, S.I., Igboro, S.B., Ibrahim, F.B. and Abubakar, U.A.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 10(2) Date Uploaded : 21st July 2024