Effect of Wastewater Characteristics and Biomass Growth in Cathode Compartment on Performance of Membrane-less Microbial Fuel Cell

The performance of mediator-less and membrane-less microbial fuel cell (ML-MFC) was evaluated for synthetic wastewater treatment by changing carbon source, alkalinity and total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration in the influent. The ML-MFC, inoculated with pre-heated septic tank sludge, was operated for total 192 days. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency greater than 85% was noticed under different influent characteristics. Higher TDS in the influent, due to sulphate and bicarbonate alkalinity, showed a diminution in power and current density. Built-up of high biomass concentration in the cathode compartment had adverse effect on current and voltage; hence, biomass concentration should be kept under control to get maximum power generation. Close spacing between anode and cathode was considered to be favourable for getting higher power output.