Treatment of Sugar Industry Wastewater and Electricity Generation Using Microbial Fuel Cells: Optimization of Operational Parameters

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering Oriental University, Indore, India 453555

2 Department of Structural Engineering, Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon 423601, Savitribai Phule Pune University, MS India

10.22059/poll.2025.391239.2819

Abstract

The sugar industry generates wastewater with high organic content, presenting serious environmental concerns. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer an eco-friendly solution by simultaneously treating this effluent and producing electricity. This study evaluated MFC performance through batch experiments, optimizing operational parameters such as pH, salt bridge concentration, and electrode material. Treatment efficiency was assessed using Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) measurements. Maximum BOD and COD removal efficiencies of 89.73% and 90.03%, respectively, were recorded at pH 6. The highest current output was observed at a salt bridge concentration of 1M KCl. Among the electrode materials tested—Aluminium, Copper, Iron, and Carbon—the Carbon–Carbon (C–C) pair produced the highest voltage output of 2.398 V. This research adhered to standard laboratory practices and ensured that no hazardous or pathogenic waste was released during experimentation. The findings reinforce the potential of MFCs as a sustainable technology for effective sugar industry wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation, with attention to environmental and ethical research practices.

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Main Subjects

References

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Pollution
Volume 12, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 16-30

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