Microalgae Microbial Fuel Cell (MMFC) using Chlorella vulgaris and Batik Wastewater as Bioelectricity

Nowadays, Indonesia is faced with an increase in human growth, and followed by increasing electricity demand. One of the environmental friendly alternative energy that can solve this problem is microbial fuel cell, which utilizes organic matter as a substrate of bacteria in carrying out its metabolic activities to produce electricity. In this study, investigated the electrical energy produced by Microalgae Microbial Fuel Cell (MMFC) using Chlorella vulgaris and Batik wastewater. This study aims to assess the performance of the MMFC system based on the influence of yeast (8 g L-1 and 4 g L-1), Batik wastewater concentration (50 % and 100 %), and graphite electrodes (1:1 and 2:2). The MMFC system was carried out by filling anode chamber with Batik wastewater and the cathode with C. vulgaris. MMFC simulation was operated for 7 d. Concentration of 100 % Batik wastewater and 2:2 number of electrodes gave the best result in MMFC with voltage 0.115 Volt, algae absorbance 0.666. The COD decreased from 824 mg L-1 to 752 mg L-1 after the MMFC. The addition of 8 g L-1 yeast gave the optimum of bioelectricity production reached 0.322 Volt and the microalgae grew until the absorbance reached 1.031.

Automated summary

The study explored electrical energy generation using Microalgae Microbial Fuel Cell (MMFC) with Chlorella vulgaris and Batik wastewater. Results showed that 100% Batik wastewater concentration and 2:2 electrode configuration yielded the best performance in producing bioelectricity.