Effect of C/N ratio and salinity on power generation in compost microbial fuel cells

Waste Manag. 2016 Feb:48:135-142. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.11.022. Epub 2015 Nov 21.

Abstract

In this work, compost Microbial Fuel Cells (cMFCs) were used to generate electricity from a mix of fruit and vegetable wastes, and soil with different C/N ratios and salinities. Experiments were carried out in 500mL cMFCs equipped with carbon felt anodes and manganese dioxide cathodes. The cMFCs were loaded with fresh compost and operated at 20-23°C for up to 97days. The low C/N ratio (C/N 24) had a greater power production with a maximum power density of 5.29mW/m(2) (71.43mW/m(3)), indicating a more favorable condition for microbial growth. High-saline cMFCs produced lower power, suggesting that their level of salinity (10g/L of NaCl) inhibited electricigenic microorganisms. The closed-circuit cMFC showed an improved degradation of organic matter by 6% to 8% compared to the control MFC operated in an open circuit mode (no external resistor attached).

Keywords: Anaerobic digestion; Biodegradation; Compost microbial fuel cell; Composting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Bioelectric Energy Sources*
  • Biofuels
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism
  • Carbon* / analysis
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Methane / metabolism
  • Nitrogen* / analysis
  • Salinity
  • Soil*

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Soil
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Carbon
  • Nitrogen
  • Methane