Bioelectricity Production from Blueberry Waste

Global warming and the increase in organic waste from agro-industries create a major problem for the environment. In this sense, microbial fuel cells (MFC) have great potential for the generation of bioelectricity by using organic waste as fuel. This research produced low-cost MFC by using zinc and copper electrodes and taking blueberry waste as fuel. A peak current and voltage of 1.130 +/- 0.018 mA and 1.127 +/- 0.096 V, respectively, were generated. The pH levels were acid, with peak conductivity values of 233. 94 +/- 0.345 mS/cm and the degrees Brix were descending from the first day. The maximum power density was 3.155 +/- 0.24 W/cm(2) at 374.4 mA/cm(2) current density, and Candida boidinii was identified by means of molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques. This research gives a new way to generate electricity with this type of waste, generating added value for the companies in this area and helping to reduce global warming.

Automated summary

The research used blueberry waste to produce low-cost microbial fuel cells, generating certain current and voltage. The acidic pH levels and decreasing degrees Brix indicate the electricity generation process. The maximum power density was 3.155 W/cm(2), and Candida boidinii was identified through molecular biology techniques.