Evaluation of the electricity generation potential of bacteria with microbial fuel cell technology using abattoir effluent as a substrate

Abstract

The concerns about global warming are gradually causing sensitive debate globally therefore its pertinent at this period to intensify the quest for alternative sources of energy. The potential of abattoir effluent to generate electricity at room temperature via microbial fuel cell technology  has been demonstrated. Microbial fuel cell is a bio electrochemical system which utilizes bacteria to generate electricity. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of bacteria to generate electricity through microbial fuel cells with abattoir effluent serving as a substrate. The study was carried out using a dual chambered microbial fuel cell. And the set up was monitored for a period of seven days. Readings were taken at intervals of two hours all through the experiment. The highest voltage generated was 0.58V on the first day and the lowest voltage recorded was 0.05V on the seventh day. The results from this study indicate that bacteria in microbial fuel cells can utilize abattoir effluent converting chemical energy to electrical energy. The low voltage generated makes microbial fuel cells less efficient than traditional energy generation methods. There is still much to be learned about complex interactions between micro organisms and electrode materials in microbial fuel cells. Hence, further research is needed to develop more efficient, durable and cost effective materials for microbial fuel cells.