Performance evaluation of three constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell systems: wastewater treatment efficiency and electricity generation potential

Hsu Htet Htet; Rujira Dolphen; Kamon Jirasereeamornkul; Paitip Thiravetyan

doi:10.1007/s11356-023-29185-2

Performance evaluation of three constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell systems: wastewater treatment efficiency and electricity generation potential

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Sep;30(42):96163-96180. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-29185-2. Epub 2023 Aug 11.

Authors

Hsu Htet Htet¹, Rujira Dolphen², Kamon Jirasereeamornkul³, Paitip Thiravetyan⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
² Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
³ Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand.
⁴ School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand. paitip@hotmail.com.

PMID: 37566335
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29185-2

Abstract

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have proven to be effective and environmentally friendly for removing pollutants, while microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer the potential for electricity generation. Thus, this study evaluated the performance of three CW-MFC systems (zigzag, single-column, and triple-column continuous) for domestic wastewater treatment and electricity generation. Results showed that parallel connection of CW-MFCs significantly improved power generation compared to series connection. Additionally, using three copper wires to connect carbon fiber felt electrodes demonstrated superior pollutant capture capabilities compared to a single copper wire. During the 14-day testing period, the single-column system achieved the highest power density of 5.55 mW m^-2, followed closely by the triple-column continuous system at 4.77 mW m^-2. In contrast, the zigzag system exhibited a lower power density of 2.49 mW m^-2. Interestingly, the implementation of facultative anaerobic conditions in the anode, along with the application of a plastic bag cover, facilitated the maintenance of anaerobic conditions in both the single-column and triple-column continuous systems. This resulted in increased power density and reduced internal resistance. In contrast, the zigzag system, with its larger surface area, aeration, and circulation, exhibited higher internal resistance and lower current dissipation. Despite its inferior electricity generation performance, the zigzag system demonstrated higher efficiency removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate (NO₃^-), and phosphate (PO₄^3-) than the single-column system. This can be attributed to the extended contact time, resulting in enhanced pollutant removal. Overall, the multi-column continuous system shows promise as a viable approach for simultaneous domestic wastewater treatment and electricity production, offering potential benefits for sustainable wastewater management.

Keywords: Constructed wetland; Domestic wastewater; Echinodorus cordifolius; Electricity generation; Microbial fuel cell.

MeSH terms

Bioelectric Energy Sources*
Copper
Electricity
Electrodes
Water Purification*
Wetlands

Substances

Copper