EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE C/N RATIO ON BIOELECTRICITY GENERATION USING SEDIMENT MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS (SFMCS)

Fossil fuel is the primary energy source for electricity generation. Nevertheless, finding alternative renewable energy sources is emerging for electricity generation because of excessive electricity consumption and depletion of fossil fuels. Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells (SMFCs) technologies convert nutrients into bioelectrical by biochemical reactions. This study investigated the impact of C/N ratio substrate on bioelectrical generation using SMFC technology. A combination of leachate treatment sludge, organic waste, and rice husks were used as substrates for SMFCs. The study was conducted using an SMFCs reactor with a volume of 2 L and was operated in a single batch chamber under aerobic conditions. Electrodes made of zinc and carbon with a surface area of 40 cm2 were used. The initial electric conductivity (EC), pH, and salinity of sludge were 15700 μs/cm, 7.36, and 8660 mg/L, respectively. The composition of sludge, organic waste, and rice husks in the reactor was adjusted based on a C/N ratio of 18 and 27. After 17 operating days, the substrate with C/N ratio 27 generated power density of 370 mW/m2, and substrate with C/N ratio of 18 generated 336 mW/m2. The final C/N ratio of subtrate with C/N ratio 27 decrease by 71.6% that indicates nutrient degradation by the activity of microorganisms.