Combined microalgal photobioreactor/microbial fuel cell system: Performance analysis under different process conditions

Increasing energy demands and greenhouse gases emission from wastewater treatment processes prompted the investigation of alternatives capable to achieve effective treatment, materials recovery, reduce environmental footprint. Combination microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology with microalgal-based process in MFC-PBR (photobioreactor) systems could emissions facilities, capturing CO2 emitted industrial facilities or directly atmosphere. Microalgae production enhance recovery wastewater-embedded resources. Two system configurations were tested compared a control MFC, under different operating conditions, using both synthetic agro-industrial as anolytes. COD removal efficiency (?COD) monitored during every condition tested, reaching ?COD values up 99%. Energy losses also evaluated. The equipped microalgal biocathode proved be efficiently treat real wastewater, surpassing effectiveness unit specific conditions. Oxygen provided by algae improves overall balance this system, which further enhanced many possible resources opportunities presented post-processing cathodic effluent.