Technology of Microbial Electrolysis Cell with Statistical Optimization by Response Surface Methodology for Bio-Hydrogen Production and Phosphorus Recovery

Abstract

In this study, two chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were used to investigate effect of applied voltage and concentration of influent COD on bio-hydrogen (H2) production and phosphorus (P) recovery. On the cathode chamber P as crystals were precipitated (the maximum was 94%), and verified as struvite, using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Maximum of the H2 production rate was 0.31m 3 /m 3 /d. H2 production and P recovery have highly affected by applied voltage according to statistical optimization, while P recovery only had significantly affected by influent COD concentration. The range from 28 to 42%, was the total of energy recovery in the MEC. The current findings demonstrated capability of H2 production and P recovery using MECs technology.