Evaluation of Pig Dung for Electricity Generation Using Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

Pig dung was evaluated for electric current and voltage generation using microbial fuel cell (MFC). Pig dung was collected from three different animal farms; FUTA, Air Force and Apatapiti Extension. Isolation and identification of microorganisms from pig dung was carried out before and after electric current and voltage generation using conventional techniques. Physicochemical composition were determined using standard methods. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) chambers were fabricated. The circuit was completed with electrodes and flexible wires for electron transfer from the anode to the cathode. Pig dung was used as the anolyte while water was used in the cathode as the electron acceptor. Current and voltage were measured in the morning, afternoon and evening for 40 days using the digital multimeter. The result revealed sixteen microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Citrobacter gillenii, Klebsiella singaporensis, Paenibacillus septentrionalis, Bacillus circulans, Salmonella spp, Enterobacter asburiae, Yersinia intermedia, Yersinia enterocolitica, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus funmigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The highest bacterial and fungal population; 2.71 x 10 5 cfu/g and 1.47 x 10 4 sfu/g were observed from Air Force and FUTA pig dung respectively before current and voltage generation. The highest bacterial and fungal population; 1.35 x 10 5 cfu/g and 1.60 x 10 4 sfu/g were observed from Apatapiti Extension and FUTA pig dung respectively after current and voltage generation. The highest current and voltage; 0.319 ± 0.00 mA and 572.333 ± 3.84 mV were generated from Apatapiti Extension and Air-Force pig dung. Sterilized pig dung (control) generated a low voltage and current affirms the important role of microorganisms in voltage and current generation. In conclusion, pig dung can be used to generate electrical current and voltage owing to microbial activities present in the pig dung. A nuisance causing waste such as pig dung can serve as a renewable source of energy for electricity generation, this will simultaneously help to resolve the problems of environmental toxics that oozes from its disposal and ultimately serve as a way of mitigating global warming in the world.