MICROBIAL FUEL CELL – AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCE FOR T&T
Roshan Ramoutar1, Denyse Ramganase2, Josann Mc Intosh-Adbool3, Antonio Bleasdell4, Jameel Rooplal5 and Davinder Pal Sharma6*.
Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad
Email: Davinder.Sharma@sta.uwi.edu *(Corresponding author)
Abstract:
The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that uses bacteria from wastewater to convert organic molecules directly into electrical energy under anaerobic conditions. In the present study we used a dual chamber MFC for electricity generation and performance improvement.The performance of the MFC was optimized by: (a) setting up five MFC’s using different combinations of electrodes of varying surface areas, (b) using wastewaters from different locations within Trinidad & Tobago and (c) providing additional supply of oxygen in the cathode chamber. Aluminum mesh and Platinum/Carbon 40% (PtC40%) cloth of different ratios were used as electrodes whereas Nafion-212 was used as the ion exchange membrane inside of an MFC reactor with capacity of 150 ml per chamber. Samples collected from various site in Trinidad i.e. Cascadoux, Nariva swamp, Caroni swamp, Guaracara River and a cow farm located at Cunupia, were tested for their electrical capabilities. The highest voltage of 850 mV was achieved from the cow farm sample using a cylindrical shaped aluminum mesh electrode of ratio 6:1. The PtC40% with ratio 2:1 for the cow farm had the best stability. The results were very attractive and demonstrated that wastewater containing animal faeces, urine or chemical pesticides are ideal for energy generation. This supports that an MFC is an option as an alternative source of electrical energy.
Keywords: Microbial fuel cell, Dual chamber, Alternative energy source, Wastewater.
https://doi.org/10.47412/YDQV9793
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