Green Solutions using Microbial Fuel Cells for Dye Wastewater Treatment and Bioelectricity Generation

Abstract

With scientific progression and technological advancements, the newly industrialized world has become increasingly dependent on water use. However, water, a fundamental necessity of life, is being polluted through various means, often returning to the environment carrying hazardous substances that pose serious health risks. Implementing a proper sanitation system is crucial for treating contaminated water and ensuring it is safe for human consumption. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology can serve as a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to current wastewater treatment methods and is gaining traction among modern community planners due to its dual function as both a wastewater treatment and power generation system. Bangladesh, regarded as a haven for textile manufacturing businesses, hosts a large number of garment factories that produce a substantial amount of dyeing wastewater containing high levels of chemical pollutants. This study has been designed to develop a microbial fuel cell (MFC) for treating dyeing wastewater generated by Bangladeshi garment industries, while simultaneously producing bioelectricity. A remarkable BOD and COD removal efficiency of 81.57% and 84.38%, respectively, was achieved. The maximum voltage generated was 1.4 volts during the first hour, which gradually decreased over time due to a decline in microbial activity.