Sewer Electricity: A Microbial Fuel Cell Powered by Sludge

Overview

The current method of wastewater treatment generates 8 million tons of sludge every year. Sludge requires up to 60% of the energy use in wastewater treatment plants to treat before it can be disposed of in landfills or utilized for agricultural purposes. To reduce costs, conserve energy, and dispose of sludge outside of the rapidly filling landfills, scientists have been incinerating sludge and using it in cogeneration to produce alternative energy. However, these methods are very expensive and harmful to the environment. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are a viable method of producing alternative energy in a more environmentally friendly way while still conserving energy. In my project, I built a microbial fuel cell and ran it for 28 days. My results show that sludge without the addition of cultured mediums and biocatalysts can indeed produce energy. I also found that the optimal pH for the system is at 4 and that the type of metal used for the electrode does not have an effect on energy output. The energy produced by the MFC leveled off at 0.6 Volts, and, in further studies, I would examine the energy output of MFCs placed in series and in parallel, and whether the size of the electrode would affect current output. If MFC energy output is scaled-up appropriately, MFCs will not only be an extremely viable source of inexpensive energy but will contribute immensely to the problem of managing and recycling sewage waste.

Competition history

• AJAS 2018 Category not listed

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