Investigation of the electrical potential of whey using a river sediment microbial fuel cell

Abstract

This study aimed to use whey and river sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to produce electrical potential, which has been investigated rarely in previous studies. In this study, the majority of the microorganisms in the river SMFC mixed culture were Bacteroides and Clostridium. After the voltage and internal resistance were measured, the current and power density were calculated. The power density (279*10-3 mW/cm2 ) and maximum current density (1100*10-6 mA/cm2 ) were determined through computations. Bacteria present in river SMFCs showed the potential to generate electricity without any external mediators. By utilizing organic materials, bioelectricity can be produced affordably and sustainably. KEY WORDS: Electrical potential, SMFC, Treatment, Whey, River sediment Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(5), 1479-1491. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i5.22