Abstract
Tubular upflow microbial fuel cell (MFC) utilizing sea food processing wastewater was evaluated for wastewater treatment efficiency and power generation. At an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.6 g d−1, the MFC accomplished total and soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 83 and 95%, respectively. A maximum power density of 105 mW m−2 (2.21 W m−3) was achieved at an OLR of 2.57 g d−1. The predominant bacterial communities of anode biofilm were identified as RB1A (LC035455), RB1B (LC035456), RB1C (LC035457) and RB1E (LC035458). All the four strains belonged to genera Stenotrophomonas. The results of the study reaffirms that the seafood processing wastewater can be treated in an upflow MFC for simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment.
•MFC showed 83% TCOD removal coupled with high power generation.•MFC recorded maximum coulombic efficiency of 26.73%.•Highest power density of 222 mW m−2 was obtained with phosphate buffer.•Cyclic voltammetry confirmed the presence of electrochemically active microorganism.•Predominant bacterial strains in anode biofilm belonged to Stenotrophomonas sp.