Impact of Salt on Bioelectricity Generation in a Dual-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cell Using Sago-Processing Wastewater

Effect of NaCl on electricity generation, COD removal, reduction in carbohydrate and starch content in dual chambered, salt bridge Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) employing raw sago-processing wastewater with an organic load of 14,400 mg COD/l as substrate was evaluated. Four dual chambered MFCs were constructed and the study aimed to find out the impact of addition of NaCl which is carried out for effective MFC performance. Isolation and identification of microbes from initial influent and final effluent was performed using serial dilution, spread plate and selective agar techniques. Interestingly, it was found that the MFC in which NaCl was added to its cathode chamber was best in performance compared to other three MFCs, with a maximum voltage of 603mV and current of 6.03mA. It also documented that the maximum COD removal efficiency of 83% with a total reduction of carbohydrate and starch content from the wastewater was obtained. Utilizing sago wastewater for the production of bioelectricity from MFC technique is considered as a feasible and sustainable process.