Effects of Yeast Concentration and Microalgal Species on Improving the Performance of Microalgal-Microbial Fuel Cells (MMFCs)

Hadiyanto Hadiyanto, Marcelinus Christwardana, Tifany Minasheila, Yosafat Hans Wijaya

Abstract


This research aimed to determine the effects of various operating conditions such as yeast concentration (8–16 mg/L), anolyte pH (3–6) and type of microalga used (Spirulina or Chlorella) on the performance of microalgal-microbial fuel cells (MMFCs). MMFCs featuring a salt bridge, tofu wastewater in the anode chamber and microalga in the cathode chamber were constructed, and their performance was analyzed in terms of power density production, biomass growth, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. Result showed that Spirulina produces a higher power density (maximum 0.98 mW/m2) than Chlorella (maximum 0.39 mW/m2). The COD removal rate in the microalgae coupled to microbial fuel cells operated at pH =3 was higher than those of MMFCs operated at other pH, and Chlorella showed higher carbon utilization from COD than Spriulina. A yeast concentration of 16 mg/L resulted in the best operating conditions.

Keywords


bioelectricity; microalgae-microbial fuel cell; power density; S. cerevisiae; tofu waste treatment

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References


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