Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Microbial fuel cell (MFC) used for electricity generation and wastewater treatment, simultaneously. In MFC, microorganisms act as a catalyst to convert chemical energy stored in organic materials into electrical energy. This study was performed with the aim of electricity generation from synthetic wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cell.

Methods: A dual chambered microbial fuel cell was operated in continuous flow for 720 hours at temperature 20±4ºC at different organic loading rates and hydraulic retention times.

Results: Organic loading rate and hydraulic retention time were effective factors for the power production and removal of organic loading rate. Maximum COD removal efficiency was observed as 49% for a period of 1.5 to 2.5 hours that this range of time can be used as optimum retention time for operation of microbial fuel cell reactor. Maximum voltage and power production were obtained 700 mV and 1700 mW/m², respectively.

Conclusion: Considering the advantages such as direct electricity generation from wastewater and considerable removal efficiency of organic loading rate, wastewater treatment in a microbial fuel cell, application of industrial scale microbial fuel cell for wastewater treatment is recommended after complementary studies and economic assessment.