Enhancing Energy Production and Pollutants Removal in Landfill Leachate Using Anode-Modified Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract

The utilization of sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) technology presents a paradigm-shifting method for converting the chemical energy obtained from organic and inorganic compounds found in sediment and wastewater substrates into electrical energy. This concept exhibits potential as an environmentally sustainable solution within the future energy sector and presents opportunities for wastewater remediation. This study aims to investigate the influence of anode modification in the SMFC system on generating electrical energy and removing pollutants in landfill leachate. The modification entails synthesizing a nanostructured copper layer on stainless steel (Cu-SS), subsequently compared to the conventional copper (Cu) anode. Results underscore the effectiveness of anode modification, as SMFCs featuring modified anodes exhibit twice the electrical output compared to unmodified counterparts. Modified anode SMFCs yield voltage and current density readings of 615 mV and 17 mA/m2, respectively. In addition to electricity generation, the study delves into the SMFC's efficacy in nitrogen compound removal. Experimental results unveil the impressive capability of modified anode SMFCs, achieving 81.02% removal of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), while unmodified counterparts reach 76.64%. Furthermore, the removal percentages for ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite compounds within SMFCs equipped with modified anodes are 88%, 51%, and 13%, respectively. This comprehensive analysis underscores the multifaceted benefits of anode modification, amplifying electrical output and enhancing the SMFC's proficiency in nitrogen compound removal, thereby contributing to its potential applications in developing sustainable wastewater treatment and energy generation systems.

Keywords

• sediment microbial fuel cell
• electroplating
• modified anode
• leachate
• bod
• nitrogen