Metal electrodes and organic enrichment in doubled and single chambered Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) for electricity generation

Microbial fuel cell was investigated for electricity generation with secondary treated waste water as a filling material and a source for organic matter. Different electrodes were tested; Aluminum-Graphite (AL-C), Iron –Graphite (Fe-C) and Copper- Graphite (Cu-C).The electricity generation of MFC was tested when enriched with different concentrations of sodium acetate (400, 600 and 800mg/l acetate). Maximum power density reached 816mW/m2 for double MFC using proton exchange membrane (PEM) with the corresponding power density of 880mW/m2 for single MFC without using PEM with 800mg/l acetate with the (AL-C). Relation between electrode spacing and power density was studied and found that the least electrode spacing (1 cm) producing the highest power density 797.3mW/m2 for single cell and (803.51mw/m2) for double cell. Further research is needed to maximize the cell for possible application to new settlements in Sinai to provide energy and minimize underground contamination by wastewater.