The behaviour of membrane less sediment microbial fuel cell in the terms of bioremediation and power generation 108-112

ABSTRACT

@#Aims: To study the performance of SMFC in the terms of power generation and toxic metals removal. This study was also focused on the characterization of SMFC electro-microbiology. Methodology and results: A SMFC was designed and loaded with sediment and overlying water. This SMFC was synchronized with wireless data logger acquisition system. The toxic metals removal capacity was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The characterization of SMFC bacteria was done by 16S rRNA.In this study the experiments were carried out in a dual-chamber SMFC with external resistances 30 kΩ-50 Ω. The SMFC was produced power about 630 mV with maximum power density 40 mW/m2and current density 250 mA/m2. After 120 days of operation, SMFC removed cadmium and copper about 22.6 and 150 mg/kg, respectively. The SMFC also showed high cadmium (86%) and copper (90%) removal at pH 7.0 and temperature 40 °C. The most dominant bacterial community at anode and cathode was identified as Pseudomonas spp. which could be function as exoelectrogen. Conclusion, significance and impact of the study: The results indicated that the SMFC system could be applied as a long term and effective tool for the removal of cadmium and copper contaminated sediments and supply power for commercial devices. The Pseudomonas spp. may be used as a genetic donor for the other non-exoelectrogens strains.