Enhancing the performance of microbial fuel cell via use of new type of electrode for the bioenergy generation along with the treatment of distillery effluent

Managing distillery effluent is a significant environmental concern due to its potential impact on water quality and ecosystems if not properly treated. Improper disposal of untreated effluent can lead to contamination of water bodies, harm aquatic life, and contribute to the depletion of oxygen levels in receiving waters. Microbial fuel cells have potential applications in various fields, including wastewater treatment, bioenergy production, and remote power generation. Current study focused on treatment of distillery effluent along with bio-energy generation. For the treatment of distillery effluent, Saccharomyces cerevisiae sp. was used as a biocatalyst along with the use of graphene and carbon-based electrodes. All tests were conducted by balancing a 01 L volume for power production as well as treatment of distillery effluent in MFC with the optimal conditions of 10% agarose, pH 8, 200 mL/min of aeration in cathode chamber, and 50 w/v (%) substrate concentration. At an optimal concentration, the maximum current and power density are roughly 53.41 mA/m2 and 72.22 mW/m2, respectively. The results showed that the efficient electricity generation and simultaneous treatment of distillery wastewater can be attained in the MFC. The results showed that the efficient electricity generation and simultaneous treatment of distillery wastewater can be attained in the MFC.