Improvement of sediment microbial fuel cell performance by application of sun light and biocathode

Three series of experiments were conducted to improve sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) performance. At first, dissolved oxygen level of catholyte was increased with native seaweed of the Caspian Sea. Power output was improved about 2-fold, and maximum power density of 46.148 mW/m(2) was produced in the presence of seaweed as biocathode in cathode compartment. Secondly, the best depth to embed anode was then determined. Anode was embedded in 3, 6, 9 and 12 cm below the sediment/water interface. The best depth to bury the anode was finally determined in 3 cm below the sediment/water interface, maximum generated power and current density of 42.156 mW/m(2) and 282.92 mA/m(2), were respectively obtained in this depth. In addition, influence of agitated flow on power generation from SMFC was investigated.