Simultaneous Power Generation and Dairy Effluent treatment Using Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

Discharge of wastewater containing traces of cow dung from a dairy farm poses significant threat to the environment, which necessitates the effluent treatment. Microbes present in organic rich dairy effluent containing traces of cow dung produced electricity. The performance of Microbial Fuel Cell(MFC) was analyzed by drawing I-V curves and performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The MFC produced maximum power density of 203 mWm-2 at a current density of 1191 mAm-2. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency was found to be 81% after 10 days of MFC operation. Decrease in anode polarization resistance confirmed the formation of biofilm at anode surface.