Sagar Project Report (2)

Treatment and energy recovery from high BOD/COD
wastewater with Microbial Fuel Cell based technology
(UDP)
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
SAGAR DIVETIYA (110990135013)
Guided by
Mr. Manoj Kumar
Department of Environmental Science and Technology
Shroff S. R. Rotary Institute of Chemical Technology
In fulfillment for the award of the degree
of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
in
Environmental Science and Technology
Academic Year 2014 - 2015
Shroff S.R. Rotary Institute of Chemical Technology
Vataria, Valia, Bharuch
Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad
MAY, 2015

Treatment and energy recovery from high BOD/COD wastewater
with Microbial Fuel Cell based technology
(UDP)
A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
SAGAR DIVETIYA (110990135013)
AYUSHI SHARMA (110990135007)
SANKET RAI (110990135012)
YASH KAPADIA (110990135011)
Guided by
Mr. Manoj Kumar
Department of Environmental Science and Technology
In fulfillment for the award of the degree
of
in
Academic Year 2014 - 2015
Shroff S.R. Rotary Institute of Chemical Technology
Vataria, Valia, Bharuch
Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad
MAY, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE FROM COLLEGE i
CERTIFICATE FROM GTU PROJECT SITE ii
PLAGIARISM REPORT iii
UNDERTAKING ABOUT ORIGINALITY OF WORK iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v
ABSTRACT vi
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ix
CHAPTER 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
INTRODUCTION
Problem summary
Objectives of the project
Brief literature review
Materials and equipment required
1 – 4
1
1
1
4
CHAPTER 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
METHODOLOGY AND PROJECT STRATEGY
Project initiation
Defining objectives
Literature survey strategy
Experimental setup construction
Microbial culture/Inoculum preparation
Salt bridge preparation
5 - 14
5
5
5
10
12
13

2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
Operating pH and temperature
Initial experimentation strategy
Final experimentation strategy
Analysis & reporting
13
13
14
14
CHAPTER 3
3.1
3.2
3.3
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT WORK
Initial observations
Synthetic wastewater trial results
Distillery wastewater trial
15 - 24
15
17
22
CHAPTER 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
OUTCOMES OF PROJECT WORK
Result summary
Project objectives achieved
Advantages of work
Usefulness of the MFC based wastewater treatment with
respect to existing solutions
Scope of future work
25 - 26
25
25
26
26
26
LIST OF REFERENCES 27 - 31
1
2
3
APPENDIX
Periodic Progress Reports (PPR)
Business Model Canvas (BMC) and its Report
Patent Drafting Exercise (PDE)
32

P a g e | i
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
2015
CERTIFICATE
Date:
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “Treatment and energy recovery from high
BOD/COD wastewater with Microbial fuel cell based technology” has been carried out by
Sagar Divetiya (110990135013) under my guidance in fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor
of Engineering in Environmental Science and Technology (8th
Semester) of Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad during the academic year 2014-15.
Internal Guide:
Mr. Manoj Kumar
Mr. Manoj Kumar
Head of Department
Vataria, Bharuch

GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
CERTIFICATE FOR COMPLETION OF ALL ACTIVITIES AT ONLINE PROJECT PORTAL
B.E. SEMESTER VIII, ACADEMIC YEAR 2014-2015
Date of certificate generation : 25 May 2015 (16:03)
Plagiarism Search Report
Final Project Report
Business Model Canvas (Report)
Business Model Canvas (Image)
Submitted Four Periodic Progress Reports (PPR)
Uploaded
Uploaded
Completed
Uploaded
Uploaded
Completed
This is to certify that, Sagarkumar Jyotindrakumar Divetiya
(Enrolment Number-110990135013) working on project entitled
with Treatment And Energy Recovery From High BOD/COD
Waste Water With Microbial Fuel Cell Based Technology from
Environmental Science & Technology department of Shroff S R
Rotary Institute Of Chemical Technology, At & Po: Vataria,
Bharuch had submitted following details at online project portal.
Name of Student :
Signature of Student :
Sagarkumar Jyotindrakumar
Divetiya
*Signature of Guide :
Name of Guide : HOD_099_35
This is a computer generated copy and does not indicate that your data has been evaluated. This is the receipt
that GTU has received a copy of the data that you have uploaded and submitted as your project work.
Disclaimer :
*Guide has to sign the certificate, Only if all above activities has been Completed / Uploaded.

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CHAPTER: 1 INTRODUCTIONProblem summaryWorld is facing various environmental and energy issues nowadays. Researcher around the world are trying to find
the solutions of these global issues. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a technology which has potential to shot two target with one arrow. In other words, this technology
can solve both the problems with its endless possibilities. It is hard to say right now when MFCs will be implemented on a large scale at treatment plants. Since
MFCs are a relatively new technology, the time required to fully develop them depends on the level of investment and quality of research. MFC research becomes
difficult as expertise required in various field of science and engineering like environmental engineering, material science, electrochemistry, instrumentation,
biochemistry, biology, physical chemistry, etc.In Indian scenario it is a big question of feasibility of the wastewater treatment and energy generation using microbial
fuel cell based technology. Indian researchers have done initial research on this noble technology but still there is long way to go. It is really important to think about
where to start to make this technology for commercial implementation. As the complexity of the technology is too high, precise understanding must be there for
implementation of the technology.Objectives of the projectIn order to address problem mentioned above about the understanding and feasibility of MFC technology
for wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy recovery, following are the objectives of this project.Construction of specific experimental setup for
MFC.Implementation of precise methodology and evaluation of the same.Selection and preparation of mixed consortia for MFC.Optimization of feed wastewater
COD for maximum voltage generation.Evaluate effect of surface area of electrode on electricity generation.Analyze COD reduction of distillery wastewaterAnalyze
voltage generation of distillery wastewaterCheck feasibility of the technology on distillery wastewaterDetermine future scope and scale up possibilitiesMaterials and
equipment requiredTable 1.1: Materials and equipment requiredSr.No.Chemical RequiredPurpose of use Quantity requiredAvailability at SRICT labsPrice
1NH4ClFor the preparation of Synthetic wastewater for inoculation of microbes5 gYesÿ2KH2PO42 gYesÿ3K2HPO42 gYesÿ4MgCl23 gYesÿ5CoCl21 gNo609 r / 500
g6ZnCl21 gYesÿ7CuCl21 gYesÿ8CaCl21 gYesÿ9MnCl21 gYesÿ10Glucose20 gYesÿ11AgarSalt bridge20 gYesÿ12KClÿ10 gYesÿ13NaClÿ20 gYesÿSr. No.Testes to
be performedApparatus1COD by open reflux methodCOD apparatus & Glassware2MLVSSWhatman filter 42, Oven, Muffle furnaceSr. No.Miscellaneous1Marine
sediments2Activated sludge3Distillery/sugar wastewater4Centrifuge (palletization)CHAPTER: 2 METHODOLOGY AND PROJECT STRATEGYProject initiationIdea
of a project was initiated with the need of addressing two major global issues of waste management and energy crisis. By the in depth search, one single solution
found called "Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)". Though it was in very initial state but has the potential to overcome these two crisis. Highly biodegradable wastewater has
the potential to generate electricity through microbial fuel cell based technology.Defining objectivesThe project was initiated with the thought of making it as simple
as possible, by using lesser chemicals, by using cheaper components like electrode, etc. to be able to understand the working of MFC even at very basic conditions.
Because of the complexity of this project it is important to fulfill very basic objectives like producing electricity and reducing COD of wastewater. Objectives are
defined in that manner.Literature survey strategyIn order to first understand this technology and its application to wastewater treatment, one must perform in depth
literature survey including research papers, online survey, books, articles, etc. Project complexity lies in the vast area of expertise required to completely understand
this technology as discussed before.In India there are handful of people who are working on this technology, though many researches has been published but
commercial applications will be initiated only with wastewater having highest BOD/COD ratio like distillery, food industry, brewery industry, etc. Though the
wastewater of above industry is already generating power through anaerobic biomenthanation / digestion technology but MFC is much faster alternative to the
anaerobic digestion biomethanation technology with respect to steps involved in energy production and continuous operation.Microbes and their activity is really
complex to understand. Microbial culture will decide the overall working of MFC. Very in-depth understanding is necessary to apply precise methodology. It is very
thoughtful to survey literature having wastewater treatment as one of their objectives. One of the objective of this project is to construct a cost-effective MFC
therefore search will be focused on cost-effective configurations.Figure 2.1: Ideation CanvasFigure 2.2: Product Development Canvas (PDC)Experimental setup
constructionSetup is designed to state the cost-effective basic design, keeping in mind that the project is the initial efforts to reveal the potential of the MFC
technology for wastewater treatment. Setup is to be constructed from inert material avoid inhibition of microbial activity. For that purpose material of construction is
acrylic with the silicone as sealant.It was really necessary to gain considerable output even at very first attempt, volume of MFC is decided to be 1.5 liter each
chamber. Dimensions are determined such that the electrodes and inlet outlet can be positioned. From the literature survey, solid graphite electrodes are found
cheap at the same time efficient as well.Figure 2.3: MFC setup ConstructionTwo types of graphite electrode are used for the variation in surface area to study the
effects of surface area on electricity generation. One of the electrode is made up of pencil graphite lead and another is graphite hollow tube. Figure 2.5: Hollow
graphite tube electrode 200 cm2For the easy pouring and removal of the salt bridge, at a same time keeping the lower distance between electrode salt bridge is
constructed as shown in figure.Figure 2.6: Salt bridge Anaerobic chamber has a lid and gasket arrangement to completely seal the chamber so that anaerobic
system can be maintained. Lid is having holes for pouring wastewater and electrode wire. But sealed with silicone after placing feed pipe and wire. For the removal
of wastewater tap is given at the bottom. Aerobic chamber is open and have air sparger and electrode.Figure 2.7: Constructed SetupFigure 2.8: Assembled
SetupMicrobial culture/Inoculum preparationMicrobes are the most important part of the MFC, because without selective enrichment of microbial culture, MFC won't
work efficiently. From the literature survey it is found that mixed microbial consortia from marine sediments, activated sludge or anaerobic digester biomass gives
maximum output in MFC after some pretreatment.Inoculum is prepared by the following method, pond sediments (from the deep down bottom ensuring anaerobic

microbes present) and activated sludge is taken to centrifuge at 5000 rpm and 22 øC. It washed thrice with saline buffer (2g NaCl, 0.30 g K2HPO4, 0.084 g KH2PO4
in 250ml of distilled water, pH 7.0) and centrifuged each time at same rpm. The pellet remains at bottom after washing away raffinate. It was in enriched in synthetic
wastewater consists of 0.5 g/l NH4Cl, 0.25 g/l KH2PO4, 0.25 g/l K2HPO4, 0.3 g/l MgCl2, 25 mg/l CoCl2, 11.5 mg/l ZnCl2, 10.5 mg/l CuCl2, 5 mg/l CaCl2, 15 g/l
MnCl2, 3 g/l Glucose, pH 5.5, COD 3.4 g/l.During the enrichment bottles are kept closed to provide aseptic anaerobic microenvironment at 10 rpm, room
temperature and acidophilic pH 5.5 is maintained to sustain acidogenic (hydrogen producing) bacteria, which also inhibits the activity of methanogenic bacteria in
return which will enhance the hydrogen production, highly required for MFC operation.Now pretreatment of the enriched synthetic wastewater is done by heat shock
treatment at 100øC for 2hour and then pH 3 is adjusted by 88% orthophosphoric acid and let it remain for 24h. This treatment will completely inhibit the growth of
methanogenic bacteria. Meanwhile hydrogen producing bacteria will form a cyst to sustain at such high temperature. In this manner rich mixed microbial culture is
prepared for MFC. Before use in MFC prepared inoculum is subjected to pH adjustment to 7.0 ñ 0.5 under complete anaerobic microenvironment.Figure 2.9: Flow
diagram of inoculation processSalt bridge preparationSalt bridge is made of agar + salt. 100ml of distill water is taken in 250ml beaker and put on the heating at
80øC, now 0.1g KCl is added as a salt and dissolved. Provide continuous stirring and add 5 g agar slowly until the viscosity of the solution rich to solidify.Cotton
plugs are placed to the two side opening of the salt bridge casing pipe and solution is immediately poured in to it from middle opening as shown in figure. Let it be
until the agar salt bridge is solidified completely. For 2 to 3 hours. Now salt bridge is ready for operation.Operating pH and temperatureDuring the operation pH is
maintained at 7.0 ñ 0.5. Decrease in pH will reduce the output voltage. Whole project experimentation is carried out at room temperature i.e. 25 ñ 5 øC. Initial
experimentation strategyInoculum is first filled in anaerobic chamber. Initial trails will be done on synthetic wastewater by changing COD concentration each day.
COD concentration is changed by removing old wastewater by settling and letting sludge as it is. COD concentration is optimized to give maximum output voltage.
Surface area of electrodes is also changed by changing electrode during one of the trial operation for checking effect of surface area of electrodes on voltage
generation. Wastewater COD is varied by varying concentration of glucose in synthetic wastewater.Final experimentation strategyFinal experimentation is done on
the distillery wastewater to check the feasibility of treatment. It is diluted to achieve optimum COD concentration. Experimentation is done till the first voltage drop.
COD is measured on daily basis along with the voltage. Wastewater is not changed during the whole operation. Initial and final biomass concentration are
recorded.Analysis & reportingCOD analysis is done by the standard open reflux method.Biomass is measured by MLVSS concentration by standard method.Voltage
is measured by standard multimeter of sensitivity up to 1 mV.Readings are recorded on daily basis and graphs for distillery wastewater trial of Voltage (mV) vs. time
in days% COD reduction vs. time in daysVoltage (mV) vs. % COD reductionCHAPTER: 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT WORKFigure 3.1: Project
experimentationInitial observationsProject implementation was initiated with the construction of specific experimental setup to serve the purpose. Setup was
constructed from 10mm thick acrylic sheets for light weight and better handling and sealed completely with silicone sealant to avoid any leakage. Both the chambers
are connected by `T' shaped pipe for salt bridge. It is also sealed properly to avoid any leakage in salt bridge to one of the chambers.Inoculation is done using two
sources of mixed consortia, as mentioned in some of the literature. Pond/Marine sedimentsActivated sludgeFigure 3.2: Preparation of mixed
consortiaObservations:Activated sludge failed since microbes were not that efficient as of pond sediments. Mixed consortia prepared from pond sediments worked
excellently.Salt bridge is a cheaper alternative of proton exchange membrane and last for 30days minimum. But it must be prepared from pure agar. (Must not be
misunderstood with nutrient agar).Table 3.1: Comparison of cost of PEM and Salt bridgeItemCostProton exchange membrane2260 Rs. for 10mm x 10mmAgar + salt
(for salt bridge)1200 Rs. for 250g (enough for 50 trials)Synthetic wastewater trial resultsTrial 1: Voltage generationCOD: 3400 mg/lBiomass: 3000 mg/lOperating pH:
7.0 ñ 0.5Time (h)Voltage (mV)023157263365464562Table 3.2: Trial 1 results Figure 3.3: Trial 1 graph: voltage vs timeObservations: Acclimatization of microbes for
electricity generation.Successful execution of first trial as voltage generation is possible.Trial 2: increase subtract COD: 5000 mg/l(Other conditions as mentioned
above)Time (h) Voltage (mV)050157268372475575Table 3.3: Trial 2 results Figure 3.4: Trial 2 graph: voltage vs timeObservations:Voltage output increased but not
significantlyBiomass concentration increased by 20%.Trial 3: Change electrodeCOD: 10000 mg/l(Other conditions as mentioned above)Electrode changed (surface
area increase) after 3 h. Pencil lead electrode: 65 cm2Hollow graphite electrode: 200 cm2Table 3.4: Trial 3 resultsTime (h) Voltage (mV)Current æAPower
æW067281.876193413.8132112566.2723129729.288415411217.248515711618.212Figure 3.5: Trial 3 graph: voltage vs timeFigure 3.6: Trial 3 graph: power vs
timeObservations:Significant increment in power outputElectrode surface area is varied by changing electrode type. It is observed that lower surface area gives
lower power output and vice versa.Trial 4: increase subtractCOD: 15000 mg/l(Other conditions as mentioned above)Time (h) Voltage
(mV)011211342169317341875189Table 3.5: Trial 4 result Figure 3.7: Trial 4 graph: voltage vs timeObservation:Voltage increased from 3rd trial.Trial 5: Higher COD
loadCOD: 20000 mg/l(Other conditions as mentioned above)Time (h)Voltage (mV)012511412156318341825180Table 3.6: Trial 5 result Figure 3.8: Trial 5 graph:
voltage vs timeObservation:At higher load of COD voltage output does not change from previous trial.From above 5 trials optimum COD range is 10000 to 15000
mg/l. Distillery wastewater trialInitial COD 14400 mg/l (diluted from original sample)Initial pH: 4Operating pH: adjusted 7.0 ñ 0.5Temperature: 25 to 30 øC (Room
Temperature)Table 3.6: Distillery wastewater trial resultObservation table:Sample calculation: COD (mg/L) = (A-B)*N*8*1000 / ml of sample taken.Where, A= ml of
Ferrous ammonium sulphate used for blank. B= ml of Ferrous ammonium sulphate used for sample. N= normality of ferrous ammonium sulphate. 8= milliequivalent
weight of oxygen.Figure 3.9: Distillery wastewater graph: voltage vs timeFigure 3.10: Distillery wastewater graph: time vs %COD reductionFigure 3.11: Distillery
wastewater graph: voltage vs %COD reductionCHAPTER: 4OUTCOMES OF PROJECT WORK Result summaryMicrobial fuel cell is really amazing technology for
wastewater treatment. By the experimentation, it is clear that MFC technology will grow in future. There are many types of MFC designs are possible but salt bridge
MFC is proved to be best for the initial laboratory experimentation. It won't be wrong to say that even the methodology followed was cost effective and ecofriendly. It
is possible to generate power and mediator less MFC is also feasible.From the literature, it was found that ASP sludge can be used to prepare inoculum but its
efficiency is too low. Pond (marine) sediments are found to be the best as it has nearly no cost and gives considerable output but proper methodology should be
followed in order to selectively enrich mixed consortia.It was really necessary to optimize the feed COD concentration for maximum electricity generation.
Overloading the COD will make microbes unable to sustain and decrease voltage output. Whereas lower COD may not give desired output. In the synthetic
wastewater trials, it was observed that 10000 to 15000 mg/l COD is optimum for maximum power output. For that purpose, distillery (industrial) wastewater is diluted
to 14400 mg/l COD from its original concentration.Synthetic wastewater trial also reveals the idea of increasing surface area of electrode. The lower surface area
yields lower power output and higher surface area yields higher power output generation. It also increases current density.Distillery wastewater trial: From the graph
of voltage vs time (days). It is observed that at the very first stage of 4 days microbes start to acclimatize then microbial growth occur. From the day 6 to 9 voltage
remain almost constant. From the graph of %reduction in COD vs Time in days. It is observed that initially COD reduction was moderate for first two days then it
became rapid as the microbial growth occur. After 8 days of operation COD becomes almost constant till 12th day. Operation was stopped after 12 days since no
change in COD of Wastewater and voltage dropped. From the graph of %COD reduction vs voltage (mV), it seems there is a linear relation between COD reduction
of wastewater and voltage generation. But it is found from the literature survey that relation is influenced by other factors, for example, there is microbial metabolism
called anabolism in which electron produced are used in their own cell growth.Experimentation done on the industrial (distillery) wastewater reveals the secret of
feasibility of treatment and energy production through small but can be improve by further research.Project objectives achievedMicrobial fuel cell based wastewater
treatment is effective even though negligible chemicals are used during operationMethodology synthesized for the experimentation by taking reference of literature is
proved to be successful even though the complexity in understanding MFC operationPond/Marine sediments works successfully for preparing mixed consortia for
microbial fuel cell.It is observed that according to MFC build, 10000 to 15000 mg/l COD is found optimum for maximum power generation.Surface area of electrode
plays important role in obtaining power output.Considerable COD reduction is observed for industrial (distillery) wastewaterVoltage generation was considerable but
power output in unrecoverable- can be enhanced by further research and optimizationMicrobial fuel cell based treatment of wastewater is found feasible on distillery
wastewaterPower output is found considerable but it is not enough for commercial recovery device- can be enhanced by further research and optimization. Scale up

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for capacity plant will be possible too.Advantages of workMicrobial fuel cell is still at its very initial stage though researchers have taken their interest in this
technology. Work done through this project will open the world of endless possibilities. Due to amateur understanding in the field, it was really difficult to initiate.
Though this project is a very small step but it will be the motivation and solid base for future projects on the same field.Usefulness of the MFC based wastewater
treatment with respect to existing solutionsDistillery and sugar industry wastewater is not actually wastewater because it is used for agricultural purpose and for
biomethanation through anaerobic digestion. But anaerobic technology for energy generation has its own disadvantages like, it has many intermediate steps. But
MFC technology will eliminate this undesired steps for electrical energy generation. Now it is hard to say when MFC technology will become viable enough to
replace existing solutions but in near future it might become possible that MFC Technology will coexist with other technologies.Scope of future workThere is very
huge scope of work is possible in the field of microbial fuel cell. There is researches are but there are still many things that can be improved. It will take many years
to become viable technology. To take this work further, researches in following area can be done.MFC configuration: there are many types of MFC configurations
are possible.Air cathode MFC will no longer require air sparger, ideal for scale up and electricity generation.Other wastewater parameters can be measured since
treatment covers more than COD as a parameter.More specialized and designed strain of microbes can be employed for better performance.Research is possible
on different types of wastewaterProton exchange membrane increases the efficiency of MFC which will be ideal for scale up and commercial
use.APPENDIXPeriodic Progress Reports (PPR)Business Model Canvas (BMC) and its ReportPatent Drafting Exercise (PDE)
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P a g e | iv
UNDERTAKING ABOUT ORIGINALITY OF WORK
We hereby certify that we are the sole authors of this IDP/UDP project report and that neither
any part of this IDP/UDP project report nor the whole of the IDP/UDP Project report has been
submitted for a degree by other student(s) to any other University or Institution.
We certify that, to the best of our knowledge, the current IDP/UDP Project report does not
infringe upon anyone’s copyright nor violate any proprietary rights and that any ideas,
techniques, quotations or any other material from the work of other people included in our
IDP/UDP Project report, published or otherwise, are fully acknowledged in accordance with
the standard referencing practices. Furthermore, to the extent that we have included
copyrighted material that surpasses the boundary of fair dealing within the meaning of the
Indian Copyright (Amendment) Act 2012, we certify that we have obtained a written
permission from the copyright owner(s) to include such material(s) in the current IDP/UDP
Project report and have included copies of such copyright clearances to our appendix.
We have checked the write up of the present IDP/UDP Project report using anti-plagiarism
database and it is in the allowable limit. In case of any complaints pertaining to plagiarism, we
certify that we shall be solely responsible for the same and we understand that as per norms,
University can even revoke BE degree conferred upon the student(s) submitting this IDP/UDP
Project report, in case it is found to be plagiarised.
Team:
Enrolment number Name Signature
110990135013 Sagar Divetiya
110990135007 Ayushi Sharma
110990135012 Sanket Rai
110990135011 Yash Kapadia
Place: Date:
Mr. Manoj Kumar, EST, SRICT Signature of Guide

P a g e | v
ABSTRACT
Energy and waste management are two crisis that world is facing nowadays. A
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) is a collective solution of these two crisis. MFC
converts energy of chemical bond of biodegradable compound into electricity
with the help of microorganisms. MFC technology has very wide range of
applications but very recent researches are more focused on wastewater
treatment and biosensor technology.
There are many types of MFCs are made but among all those 2-chamber
H-type MFC is used in study because it is best for preliminary experimental
purpose. MFC works on the same principle as Fuel Cells. The anoxic anode
chamber is connected internally to the cathode chamber via an ion exchange
membrane or salt bridge with the circuit completed by an external wire.
The project report contains experimental setup construction, setup run
prerequisites and results. Salt bridge is considered for Experimental setup.
In whole project we are aiming to check treatability of industrial
wastewater and review of benefits of MFC technology for wastewater treatment
and simultaneous energy generation.
The report presents the study done to understand various aspects of design
and operation of MFC and how it is implemented to make an experimental setup
of MFC as well as feasibility and benefits of MFC technology for wastewater
treatment.

P a g e | vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Success of any project depends on the dedication and sincere hard work. It also requires some
essentials like motivation, guidelines, encouragement, positive attitude, good observation and
time.
We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Manoj Kumar (Head of Department,
Environmental Science and Technology) for giving us the opportunity to pursue the
engineering project under his guidance as a partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree
of Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Science and Technology).Besides our lacking
basic knowledge and skills, he made it possible for us to polish our some of the weaknesses
and directed us to minimize the gap between theory and practical knowledge and skills.
We would like to thank Dr. V.K. Srivastava (Professor, Department of Environmental
Science and Technology) without whom the project would not have literally seen light of the
day. He has given us a taste of real flavor of engineering and industrial experiences. He has
shared his knowledge and experiences to enhance our understanding about actual scenarios and
practices carried out in industries to sustain in this competitive and ever-changing world. He
has given us the way an engineering project should be performed.
We would also like to acknowledge our institute Shroff. S. R. Rotary Institute of
Chemical Technology for giving us the support we needed for successful performance of
project. We are thankful to Mrs. Pratibha Gautam (Assi. Prof., EST), Mr. Urvij Dave (Assi.
Prof. EST), Mr. Krunal Majmudar (Assi. Prof. EST), Miss. Rajeshwari Prajapati (Lab. Assi.,
EST), Miss. Hirva Joshi (Lab. Assi. EST) and Mr. Akshay Rana (Lab. Assi., EST) for their
extraordinary support in our institute.
Finally we apologize all other unnamed personnel who helped us in various ways in
our project work.
Sagar Divetiya (110990135013)
Ayushi Sharma (110990135007)
Sanket Rai (110990135012)
Yash Kapadia (110990135011)

P a g e | vii
LIST OF TABLES
Table No Table Description Page
No
1.1 Materials and equipment required 4
3.1 Comparison of cost of PEM and Salt bridge 16
3.2 Trial 1 results 17
3.7 Distillery wastewater trial results 22

P a g e | viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
No
Figure Description Page
No
1.1 Principle of Microbial fuel cell 3
2.1 Project I timeline 6
2.2 Project II timeline 7
2.3 Ideation Canvas 8
2.4 Product Development Canvas (PDC) 9
2.5 MFC setup Construction 10
2.6 Pencil lead electrode 65 cm2
11
2.7 Hollow graphite tube electrode 200 cm2
11
2.8 Salt bridge 11
2.9 Constructed Setup 12
2.10 Assembled Setup 12
2.11 Flow diagram of inoculation process 13
3.1 Project experimentation 15
3.2 Preparation of mixed consortia 15
3.3 Trial 1 graph : voltage vs time 17
3.4 Trial 2 graph: voltage vs time 18
3.6 Trial 3 graph: power vs time 19
3.9 Distillery wastewater graph: voltage vs time 23
3.10 Distillery wastewater graph: time vs %COD reduction 23
3.11 Distillery wastewater graph: voltage vs %COD reduction 24

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LIST OF SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND NOMENCLATURE
Symbol Name Abbreviations
MFC Microbial fuel cell
BEC Bio electrochemical cell
V Volt
I Current
ppm Parts per milliions
PEM Proton Exchange Membrane
PTM Proton Transport Mechanism

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CHAPTER: 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Problem summary
World is facing various environmental and energy issues nowadays. Researcher around the
world are trying to find the solutions of these global issues. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a
technology which has potential to shot two target with one arrow. In other words, this
technology can solve both the problems with its endless possibilities.
It is hard to say right now when MFCs will be implemented on a large scale at treatment
plants. Since MFCs are a relatively new technology, the time required to fully develop them
depends on the level of investment and quality of research. MFC research becomes difficult as
expertise required in various field of science and engineering like environmental engineering,
material science, electrochemistry, instrumentation, biochemistry, biology, physical chemistry,
etc.
In Indian scenario it is a big question of feasibility of the wastewater treatment and
energy generation using microbial fuel cell based technology. Indian researchers have done
initial research on this noble technology but still there is long way to go. It is really important
to think about where to start to make this technology for commercial implementation. As the
complexity of the technology is too high, precise understanding must be there for
implementation of the technology.
1.2 Objectives of the project
In order to address problem mentioned above about the understanding and feasibility of MFC
technology for wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy recovery, following are the
objectives of this project.
1. Construction of specific experimental setup for MFC.
2. Implementation of precise methodology and evaluation of the same.
3. Selection and preparation of mixed consortia for MFC.
4. Optimization of feed wastewater COD for maximum voltage generation.
5. Evaluate effect of surface area of electrode on electricity generation.
6. Analyze COD reduction of distillery wastewater
7. Analyze voltage generation of distillery wastewater
8. Check feasibility of the technology on distillery wastewater
9. Determine future scope and scale up possibilities
1.3 Brief literature review
A technology using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that convert the energy stored in
chemical bonds in organic compounds to electrical energy achieved through the catalytic
reactions by microorganisms has generated considerable interests among academic researchers
in recent years. MFCs have very wide range of applications like electricity generation from
selected subtract, bio hydrogen generation, wastewater treatment, biosensor for monitoring and
analytical purpose. Produced electrical energy can be used to power home appliances, to power

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small instruments in far areas to reach, and mega plant can be used to supply electricity to
power grids. Project is focused on wastewater treatment using MFC.
Wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cell technology may lead us to the
sustainable tomorrow. In the Penn State lab using a batch mode (repeated cycles of liquid
replacement) MFC, they have achieved up to 1.5 watts per meter squared of electrode surface
area. Using a continuous flow MFC, they have recorded values around 15.5 watts per cubic
meter of household wastewater flowing through it. It is also estimated that a wastewater
treatment plant serving 100,000 people or a large industrial plant could produce around 0.8
megawatts, which is enough to power about 500 homes. It is hard to say right now when MFCs
will be implemented on a large scale at treatment plants. Since MFCs are a relatively new
technology, the time required to fully develop them depends on the level of investment and
quality of research. MFC research becomes difficult as expertise required in various field of
science and engineering like environmental engineering, material science, electrochemistry,
instrumentation, biochemistry, biology, physical chemistry, etc.
Bacteria can be used in MFCs to generate electricity while accomplishing the
biodegradation of organic matters or wastes. Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a typical
MFC for producing electricity. It consists of anodic and cathodic chambers partitioned by a
proton exchange membrane (PEM). Microbes in the anodic chamber of an MFC oxidize added
substrates and generate electrons and protons in the process. Carbon dioxide is produced as an
oxidation product. However, there is no net carbon emission because the carbon dioxide in the
renewable biomass originally comes from the atmosphere in the photosynthesis process. Unlike
in a direct combustion process, the electrons are absorbed by the anode and are transported to
the cathode through an external circuit. After crossing a PEM or a salt bridge, the protons enter
the cathodic chamber where they combine with oxygen to form water. Microbes in the anodic
chamber extract electrons and protons in the dissimilative process of oxidizing organic
substrates. Electric current generation is made possible by keeping microbes separated from
oxygen or any other end terminal acceptor other than the anode and this requires an anaerobic
anodic chamber.
Typical electrode reactions are shown below using acetate as an example substrate.
Anodic reaction: CH3COO-
+ 2H2O 2CO2 + 7H+
+ 8e-
(1)
Cathodic reaction: O2 + 4e-
+ 4H+
2H2O (2)
The overall reaction is the breakdown of the substrate to carbon dioxide and water with
a concomitant production of electricity as a by-product. Based on the electrode reaction pair
above, an MFC bioreactor can generate electricity from the electron flow from the anode to
cathode in the external circuit.
Microbes

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There are many types of MFC constructions are possible based on its applications and
requirements like two-compartment MFC systems, single-compartment MFC systems, up-flow
mode MFC systems,stacked microbial fuel cell, etc. It is found that the most appropriate type
of MFC system for elementary experimental purpose to check treatability of wastewater is two-
compartment MFC system.
Figure 1.1: Principle of Microbial fuel cell

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1.4 Materials and equipment required
Sr.No.
Chemical
Required
Purpose of use
Quantity
required
Availability
at SRICT
labs
Price
1 NH4Cl
For the preparation of
Synthetic wastewater for
inoculation of microbes
5 g Yes
2 KH2PO4 2 g Yes
3 K2HPO4 2 g Yes
4 MgCl2 3 g Yes
5 CoCl2 1 g No 609 r / 500 g
6 ZnCl2 1 g Yes
7 CuCl2 1 g Yes
8 CaCl2 1 g Yes
9 MnCl2 1 g Yes
10 Glucose 20 g Yes
11 Agar Salt bridge 20 g Yes
12 KCl 10 g Yes
13 NaCl 20 g Yes
Sr. No. Testes to be performed Apparatus
1 COD by open reflux method COD apparatus & Glassware
2 MLVSS Whatman filter 42, Oven, Muffle furnace
Sr. No. Miscellaneous
1 Marine sediments
2 Activated sludge
3 Distillery/sugar wastewater
4 Centrifuge (palletization)
Table 1.1: Materials and equipment required

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CHAPTER: 2 METHODOLOGY AND PROJECT STRATEGY
2.1. Project initiation
Idea of a project was initiated with the need of addressing two major global issues of waste
management and energy crisis. By the in depth search, one single solution found called
“Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)”. Though it was in very initial state but has the potential to
overcome these two crisis. Highly biodegradable wastewater has the potential to generate
electricity through microbial fuel cell based technology.
2.2. Defining objectives
The project was initiated with the thought of making it as simple as possible, by using lesser
chemicals, by using cheaper components like electrode, etc. to be able to understand the
working of MFC even at very basic conditions. Because of the complexity of this project it is
important to fulfill very basic objectives like producing electricity and reducing COD of
wastewater. Objectives are defined in that manner.
2.3. Literature survey strategy
In order to first understand this technology and its application to wastewater treatment, one
must perform in depth literature survey including research papers, online survey, books,
articles, etc. Project complexity lies in the vast area of expertise required to completely
understand this technology as discussed before.
In India there are handful of people who are working on this technology, though many
researches has been published but commercial applications will be initiated only with
wastewater having highest BOD/COD ratio like distillery, food industry, brewery industry, etc.
Though the wastewater of above industry is already generating power through anaerobic
biomenthanation / digestion technology but MFC is much faster alternative to the anaerobic
digestion biomethanation technology with respect to steps involved in energy production and
continuous operation.
Microbes and their activity is really complex to understand. Microbial culture will
decide the overall working of MFC. Very in-depth understanding is necessary to apply precise
methodology. It is very thoughtful to survey literature having wastewater treatment as one of
their objectives. One of the objective of this project is to construct a cost-effective MFC
therefore search will be focused on cost-effective configurations.

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Figure 2.1: Project I timeline

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Figure 2.2: Project II timeline

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Figure 2.3: Ideation Canvas

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Figure 2.4: Product Development Canvas (PDC)

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2.4. Experimental setup construction
Setup is designed to state the cost-effective basic design, keeping in mind that the project is the
initial efforts to reveal the potential of the MFC technology for wastewater treatment. Setup is
to be constructed from inert material avoid inhibition of microbial activity. For that purpose
material of construction is acrylic with the silicone as sealant.
It was really necessary to gain considerable output even at very first attempt, volume
of MFC is decided to be 1.5 liter each chamber. Dimensions are determined such that the
electrodes and inlet outlet can be positioned. From the literature survey, solid graphite
electrodes are found cheap at the same time efficient as well.
Figure 2.5: MFC setup Construction

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Two types of graphite electrode are used for the variation in surface area to study the
effects of surface area on electricity generation. One of the electrode is made up of pencil
graphite lead and another is graphite hollow tube.
For the easy pouring and removal of the salt bridge, at a same time keeping the lower
distance between electrode salt bridge is constructed as shown in figure.
Anaerobic chamber has a lid and gasket arrangement to completely seal the chamber
so that anaerobic system can be maintained. Lid is having holes for pouring wastewater and
electrode wire. But sealed with silicone after placing feed pipe and wire. For the removal of
wastewater tap is given at the bottom. Aerobic chamber is open and have air sparger and
electrode.
Figure 2.6: Pencil lead electrode 65 cm2
Figure 2.7: Hollow graphite tube
electrode 200 cm2
Figure 2.8: Salt bridge

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2.5. Microbial culture/Inoculum preparation
Microbes are the most important part of the MFC, because without selective enrichment of
microbial culture, MFC won’t work efficiently. From the literature survey it is found that mixed
microbial consortia from marine sediments, activated sludge or anaerobic digester biomass
gives maximum output in MFC after some pretreatment.
Inoculum is prepared by the following method, pond sediments (from the deep down
bottom ensuring anaerobic microbes present) and activated sludge is taken to centrifuge at 5000
rpm and 22 °C. It washed thrice with saline buffer (2g NaCl, 0.30 g K2HPO4, 0.084 g KH2PO4
in 250ml of distilled water, pH 7.0) and centrifuged each time at same rpm. The pellet remains
at bottom after washing away raffinate. It was in enriched in synthetic wastewater consists of
0.5 g/l NH4Cl, 0.25 g/l KH2PO4, 0.25 g/l K2HPO4, 0.3 g/l MgCl2, 25 mg/l CoCl2, 11.5 mg/l
ZnCl2, 10.5 mg/l CuCl2, 5 mg/l CaCl2, 15 g/l MnCl2, 3 g/l Glucose, pH 5.5, COD 3.4 g/l.
During the enrichment bottles are kept closed to provide aseptic anaerobic
microenvironment at 10 rpm, room temperature and acidophilic pH 5.5 is maintained to sustain
acidogenic (hydrogen producing) bacteria, which also inhibits the activity of methanogenic
Figure 2.9: Constructed Setup
Figure 2.10: Assembled Setup

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bacteria in return which will enhance the hydrogen production, highly required for MFC
operation.
Now pretreatment of the enriched synthetic wastewater is done by heat shock treatment
at 100°C for 2hour and then pH 3 is adjusted by 88% orthophosphoric acid and let it remain
for 24h. This treatment will completely inhibit the growth of methanogenic bacteria.
Meanwhile hydrogen producing bacteria will form a cyst to sustain at such high temperature.
In this manner rich mixed microbial culture is prepared for MFC. Before use in MFC prepared
inoculum is subjected to pH adjustment to 7.0 ± 0.5 under complete anaerobic
microenvironment.
2.6. Salt bridge preparation
Salt bridge is made of agar + salt. 100ml of distill water is taken in 250ml beaker and put on
the heating at 80°C, now 0.1g KCl is added as a salt and dissolved. Provide continuous stirring
and add 5 g agar slowly until the viscosity of the solution rich to solidify.
Cotton plugs are placed to the two side opening of the salt bridge casing pipe and
solution is immediately poured in to it from middle opening as shown in figure. Let it be until
the agar salt bridge is solidified completely. For 2 to 3 hours. Now salt bridge is ready for
operation.
2.7. Operating pH and temperature
During the operation pH is maintained at 7.0 ± 0.5. Decrease in pH will reduce the output
voltage. Whole project experimentation is carried out at room temperature i.e. 25 ± 5 °C.
2.8. Initial experimentation strategy
Inoculum is first filled in anaerobic chamber. Initial trails will be done on synthetic wastewater
by changing COD concentration each day. COD concentration is changed by removing old
wastewater by settling and letting sludge as it is. COD concentration is optimized to give
maximum output voltage. Surface area of electrodes is also changed by changing electrode
during one of the trial operation for checking effect of surface area of electrodes on voltage
generation. Wastewater COD is varied by varying concentration of glucose in synthetic
wastewater.
Figure 2.11: Flow diagram of inoculation process

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2.9. Final experimentation strategy
Final experimentation is done on the distillery wastewater to check the feasibility of treatment.
It is diluted to achieve optimum COD concentration. Experimentation is done till the first
voltage drop. COD is measured on daily basis along with the voltage. Wastewater is not
changed during the whole operation. Initial and final biomass concentration are recorded.
2.10. Analysis & reporting
 COD analysis is done by the standard open reflux method.
 Biomass is measured by MLVSS concentration by standard method.
 Voltage is measured by standard multimeter of sensitivity up to 1 mV.
Readings are recorded on daily basis and graphs for distillery wastewater trial of
1. Voltage (mV) vs. time in days
2. % COD reduction vs. time in days
3. Voltage (mV) vs. % COD reduction

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CHAPTER: 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT WORK
3.1 Initial observations
Project implementation was initiated with the construction of specific experimental setup to
serve the purpose. Setup was constructed from 10mm thick acrylic sheets for light weight and
better handling and sealed completely with silicone sealant to avoid any leakage. Both the
chambers are connected by ‘T’ shaped pipe for salt bridge. It is also sealed properly to avoid
any leakage in salt bridge to one of the chambers.
Inoculation is done using two sources of mixed consortia, as mentioned in some of the
literature.
1. Pond/Marine sediments
2. Activated sludge
Figure 3.1: Project experimentation
Figure 3.2: Preparation of mixed consortia

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Observations:
Activated sludge failed since microbes were not that efficient as of pond sediments.
Mixed consortia prepared from pond sediments worked excellently.
Salt bridge is a cheaper alternative of proton exchange membrane and last for 30days
minimum. But it must be prepared from pure agar. (Must not be misunderstood with nutrient
agar).
Item Cost
Proton exchange membrane 2260 Rs. for 10mm x 10mm
Agar + salt (for salt bridge) 1200 Rs. for 250g (enough for 50 trials)
Table 3.1: Comparison of cost of PEM and Salt bridge

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3.2 Synthetic wastewater trial results
Trial 1: Voltage generation
 COD: 3400 mg/l
 Biomass: 3000 mg/l
 Operating pH: 7.0 ± 0.5
Time
(h)
Voltage
(mV)
0 23
1 57
2 63
3 65
4 64
5 62
Observations:
 Acclimatization of microbes for electricity generation.
 Successful execution of first trial as voltage generation is possible.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Trial 1: Voltage (mV) vs Time (h)
Figure 3.3: Trial 1 graph: voltage vs time
Table 3.2: Trial 1 results

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Trial 2: increase subtract
 COD: 5000 mg/l
(Other conditions as mentioned above)
Time
(h)
Voltage
(mV)
0 50
1 57
2 68
3 72
4 75
5 75
Observations:
 Voltage output increased but not significantly
 Biomass concentration increased by 20%.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Table 3.3: Trial 2
results

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Trial 3: Change electrode
COD: 10000 mg/l
Electrode changed (surface area increase) after 3 h.
1. Pencil lead electrode: 65 cm2
2. Hollow graphite electrode: 200 cm2
Time
(h)
Voltage
(mV)
Current
µA
Power
µW
0 67 28 1.876
1 93 41 3.813
2 112 56 6.272
3 129 72 9.288
4 154 112 17.248
5 157 116 18.212
Observations:
 Significant increment in power output
 Electrode surface area is varied by changing electrode type. It is observed that lower
surface area gives lower power output and vice versa.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
0
5
10
15
20
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Trial 3: Power (µW) vs Time (h)
Figure 3.5: Trial 3 graph: voltage vs time Figure 3.6: Trial 3 graph: power vs time
Table 3.4: Trial 3 results

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Trial 4: increase subtract
 COD: 15000 mg/l
Time
(h)
Voltage
(mV)
0 112
1 134
2 169
3 173
4 187
5 189
Observation:
 Voltage increased from 3rd
trial.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Table 3.5: Trial 4
result

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Trial 5: Higher COD load
 COD: 20000 mg/l
Time
(h)
Voltage
(mV)
0 125
1 141
2 156
3 183
4 182
5 180
Observation:
 At higher load of COD voltage output does not change from previous trial.
 From above 5 trials optimum COD range is 10000 to 15000 mg/l.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Table 3.6: Trial 5
result

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3.3 Distillery wastewater trial
 Initial COD 14400 mg/l (diluted from original sample)
 Initial pH: 4
 Operating pH: adjusted 7.0 ± 0.5
 Temperature: 25 to 30 °C (Room Temperature)
Observation table:
Sample calculation:
COD (mg/L) = (A-B)*N*8*1000 / ml of sample taken.
Where, A= ml of Ferrous ammonium sulphate used for blank.
B= ml of Ferrous ammonium sulphate used for sample.
N= normality of ferrous ammonium sulphate.
8= milliequivalent weight of oxygen.
Blank reading (ml) Burette reading (ml) COD (mg/l) % Reduction Time(in days) m V
24.5 21.1 13600 5.56 1 90
24.6 21.6 12000 16.67 2 126
24.2 21.6 10400 27.78 3 148
24.2 21.9 9200 36.11 4 175
24.4 22.5 7600 47.22 5 221
24.6 22.9 6800 52.78 6 250
24.8 23.5 5200 63.89 7 260
24.6 23.4 4800 66.67 8 268
24.6 23.5 4400 69.44 9 258
24.9 23.8 4400 69.44 10 203
25 24 4000 72.22 11 112
25 23.9 4400 69.44 12 50
Table 3.6: Distillery wastewater trial
result

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90
126
148
175
221
250
260 268
258
203
112
50
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Voltage (mV) vs Time (in days)
0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
5.56
16.67
27.78
36.11
47.22
52.78
63.89
66.67
69.44
69.44
72.22
69.44
Time in days vs % COD reduction
Figure 3.9: Distillery wastewater graph: voltage vs time
Figure 3.10: Distillery wastewater graph: time vs %COD
reduction

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0
50
100
150
200
250
300
0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00
Voltage (m V) vs % COD reduction
Figure 3.11: Distillery wastewater graph: voltage vs %COD
reduction

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CHAPTER: 4 OUTCOMES OF PROJECT WORK
4.1 Result summary
Microbial fuel cell is really amazing technology for wastewater treatment. By the
experimentation, it is clear that MFC technology will grow in future. There are many types of
MFC designs are possible but salt bridge MFC is proved to be best for the initial laboratory
experimentation. It won’t be wrong to say that even the methodology followed was cost
effective and ecofriendly. It is possible to generate power and mediator less MFC is also
feasible.
From the literature, it was found that ASP sludge can be used to prepare inoculum but
its efficiency is too low. Pond (marine) sediments are found to be the best as it has nearly no
cost and gives considerable output but proper methodology should be followed in order to
selectively enrich mixed consortia.
It was really necessary to optimize the feed COD concentration for maximum electricity
generation. Overloading the COD will make microbes unable to sustain and decrease voltage
output. Whereas lower COD may not give desired output. In the synthetic wastewater trials, it
was observed that 10000 to 15000 mg/l COD is optimum for maximum power output. For that
purpose, distillery (industrial) wastewater is diluted to 14400 mg/l COD from its original
concentration.
Synthetic wastewater trial also reveals the idea of increasing surface area of electrode.
The lower surface area yields lower power output and higher surface area yields higher power
output generation. It also increases current density.
Distillery wastewater trial: From the graph of voltage vs time (days). It is observed that
at the very first stage of 4 days microbes start to acclimatize then microbial growth occur. From
the day 6 to 9 voltage remain almost constant. From the graph of %reduction in COD vs Time
in days. It is observed that initially COD reduction was moderate for first two days then it
became rapid as the microbial growth occur. After 8 days of operation COD becomes almost
constant till 12th
day. Operation was stopped after 12 days since no change in COD of
Wastewater and voltage dropped. From the graph of %COD reduction vs voltage (mV), it
seems there is a linear relation between COD reduction of wastewater and voltage generation.
But it is found from the literature survey that relation is influenced by other factors, for
example, there is microbial metabolism called anabolism in which electron produced are used
in their own cell growth.
Experimentation done on the industrial (distillery) wastewater reveals the secret of
feasibility of treatment and energy production through small but can be improve by further
research.
4.2 Project objectives achieved
 Microbial fuel cell based wastewater treatment is effective even though negligible
chemicals are used during operation
 Methodology synthesized for the experimentation by taking reference of literature is
proved to be successful even though the complexity in understanding MFC operation
 Pond/Marine sediments works successfully for preparing mixed consortia for microbial
fuel cell.

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 It is observed that according to MFC build, 10000 to 15000 mg/l COD is found
optimum for maximum power generation.
 Surface area of electrode plays important role in obtaining power output.
 Considerable COD reduction is observed for industrial (distillery) wastewater
 Voltage generation was considerable but power output in unrecoverable- can be
enhanced by further research and optimization
 Microbial fuel cell based treatment of wastewater is found feasible on distillery
wastewater
 Power output is found considerable but it is not enough for commercial recovery
device- can be enhanced by further research and optimization. Scale up for capacity
plant will be possible too.
4.3 Advantages of work
Microbial fuel cell is still at its very initial stage though researchers have taken their interest in
this technology. Work done through this project will open the world of endless possibilities.
Due to amateur understanding in the field, it was really difficult to initiate. Though this project
is a very small step but it will be the motivation and solid base for future projects on the same
field.
4.4 Usefulness of the MFC based wastewater treatment with respect to
existing solutions
Distillery and sugar industry wastewater is not actually wastewater because it is used for
agricultural purpose and for biomethanation through anaerobic digestion. But anaerobic
technology for energy generation has its own disadvantages like, it has many intermediate
steps. But MFC technology will eliminate this undesired steps for electrical energy generation.
Now it is hard to say when MFC technology will become viable enough to replace existing
solutions but in near future it might become possible that MFC Technology will coexist with
other technologies.
4.5 Scope of future work
There is very huge scope of work is possible in the field of microbial fuel cell. There is
researches are but there are still many things that can be improved. It will take many years to
become viable technology. To take this work further, researches in following area can be done.
 MFC configuration: there are many types of MFC configurations are possible.
 Air cathode MFC will no longer require air sparger, ideal for scale up and electricity
generation.
 Other wastewater parameters can be measured since treatment covers more than COD
as a parameter.
 More specialized and designed strain of microbes can be employed for better
performance.
 Research is possible on different types of wastewater
 Proton exchange membrane increases the efficiency of MFC which will be ideal for
scale up and commercial use.

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LIST OF REFERENCES
1. Abhilasha S. M and Sharma V. N., (2009). “Bioelectricity production from various
wastewaters through microbial fuel cell technology”, Journal of Biochemical
Technology, 2(1), pp133-137.
2. Abhilasha S. M and Sharma V.N., (2010). “Treatment of Brewery Wastewater and
production of electricity through Microbial Fuel Cell Technology”, International
Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 6(1), pp 71–80.
3. Ahn Y and Logan B. E., (2010). “Effectiveness of domestic wastewater treatment
using microbial fuel cells at ambient and mesophilic temperatures”, Bioresource
Technology, 101, pp 469–475.
4. Aelterman, P. (2009) Microbial fuel cells for the treatment of waste streams with
energy recovery. PhD Thesis, Gent University, Belgium
5. Bruce E. Logan et al. (2008) “Microbial Fuel Cells: Methodology and Technology”
ENVIRON. SCI. & TECHNOL.
6. Behera M., Jana P. S., More T. T., Ghangrekar M. M., (2010). “Rice mill wastewater
treatment in microbial fuel cells fabricated using proton exchange membrane and
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K., Verstraete W., (2008). “Minimizing losses in bioelectrochemical systems: the
road to applications”, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 79, pp 901–913.
8. Deepak Pant *, Gilbert Van Bogaert, Ludo Diels, Karolien Vanbroekhoven
(2009) “A review of the substrates used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)for
sustainable energy production” Bioresource Technology

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9. D.Singh, D.Pratap, Y. Baranwal et al. (2010) “Microbial fuel cells: A green
technology for power generation” Annals of Biological Research, 2010, 1 (3) : 128-
138.
10. Feng Y., Wang X., Logan B. E., Lee H., (2008). “Brewery wastewater treatment using
aircathode microbial fuel cells”, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 78, pp
873–880.
11. Hampannavar U.S and Shivayogimath C.B., (2010). “Anaerobic treatment of sugar
industry wastewater by Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor at ambient
temperature”, International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1(4), pp 631–639.
12. Hampannavar U.S , Anupama , Pradeep N.V., (2011) “Treatment of distillery
wastewater using single chamber and double chambered MFC”, International Journal
of Environmental Sciences, Volume 2, No 1,
13. Huang L and Logan B. E., (2008). “Electricity generation and treatment of paper
recycling wastewater using a microbial fuel cell”, Applied Microbiology and
Biotechnology, 80, pp 349–355.
14. Kim J. R., Min, B., Logan B. E., (2005). “Evaluation of procedures to acclimate a
microbial fuel cell for electricity production”, Applied Microbiology and
Biotechnology, 68, pp 23–30.
15. Kim J. E., Dec J., Bruns M. E., Logan B.E., (2008). “Reduction of Odors from Swine
Wastewater by Using Microbial Fuel Cells”, Applied and Environmental
Microbiology, 74(8), pp 2540–2543.
16. Kubota K., Yoochatchaval W., Yamaguchi T., Syutsubo K., (2010). “Application of
a Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) for organic wastewater treatment:
Influence of changes in wastewater composition on the process performance”,
Sustainable Environment Research, 20(6), pp 347351.

P a g e | 29
17. Lefebvre O., AlMamun A., and Ng H. Y., (2008). “A microbial fuel cell equipped
with a biocathode for organic reduction and denitrification”, Water Science &
Technology, 58(4), pp 881885.
18. Liu H and Logan B. E., (2004). “Electricity Generation Using an Air Cathode Single
Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell in the Presence and Absence of a Proton Exchange
Membrane”, Environmental Science and Technology, 38, pp 4040-4046.
19. Liu H., Ramnarayanan R., Logan B. E., (2004). “Production of electricity during
wastewater treatment using a single chamber microbial fuel cell”, Environmental
Science and Technology, 38, pp 2281-2285.
20. Logan B. E and Regan J. M., (2006). “Microbial fuel cells challenges and
applications”, Environmental Science and Technology, 40, pp 5172-5180.
21. Logan B. E., Aelterman P., Hamelers B., Rozendal R., Schroder U., Keller J.,
Freguiac S., Verstraete W., Rabaey K., (2006). “Microbial fuel cells: methodology
and technology”, Environmental Science and Technology, 40(17), pp 5181-5192.
22. Logan B. E., Cheng S., Watson V., Estadt G., (2007). “Graphite Fiber Brush Anodes
for Increased Power Production in Air Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells”, Environmental
Science and Technology, 41, pp 3341-3346.
23. Logan B.E., (2005). “Simultaneous wastewater treatment and biological electricity
generation”, Water Science & Technology, 52, pp 31–37.
24. Logan B. E., (2009). “Exoelectrogenic bacteria that power microbial fuel cells”,
Nature Reviews Microbiology, 7, pp 375-381.
25. Logan B. E., (2010). “Scaling up microbial fuel cells and other bioelectrochemical
systems”, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 85, pp 1665–1671.
26. Luoa H., Liua G., Zhanga R., Jin S., (2009). “Phenol degradation in microbial fuel
cells”, Chemical Engineering Journal, 147, pp 259–264.

P a g e | 30
27. Min B and Logan B. E., (2004). “Continuous Electricity Generation from Domestic
Wastewater and Organic Substrates in a Flat Plate Microbial Fuel Cell”,
Environmental Science and Technology, 38, pp 5809-5814.
28. Mohana S., Bhavik K. A., Madamwar D., (2009). “Distillery spent wash: Treatment
technologies and potential applications”, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 163, pp 12–
25.
29. Mohanakrishna G., Venkata Mohan S., Sarma P. N., (2010). “Bioelectrochemical
treatment of distillery wastewater in microbial fuel cell facilitating decolorization and
desalination along with power generation”, Journal of Hazardous Material, 177, pp
487–494.
30. Momoh O. L and Naeyor B.A., (2010). “A novel electron acceptor for microbial fuel
cells: Nature of circuit connection on internal resistance”, Journal of Biochemical
Technology, 2(4), pp 216-220.
31. Pham (2006) “comparison between aerobic and anaerobic”
32. Rabaey K and Verstraete W., (2005). “Microbial fuel cells: novel biotechnology for
energy generation”, Trends in Biotechnology, 23(6), pp 291-298.
33. S. Venkata Mohan et al. (2008) “Bioelectricity generation from chemical wastewater
treatment in mediatorless (anode) microbial fuel cell (MFC) using selectively
enriched hydrogen producing mixed culture under acidophilic microenvironment”
Biochemical Engineering Journal 39 (2008) 121–130
34. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, (1995). 19 th Edition.
Prepared and Published by American Public Health Association, American Water
Works Association, Water Pollution Control Federation.
35. http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/ENVE/logan.htm

P a g e | 31
36. Zhuwei Du, Haoran Li , TingyueGu (2007) “A state of the art review on
microbial fuel cells: A promising technology for wastewater treatment and
bioenergy” Biotechnology Advances 25 (2007) 464–482

P a g e | 32
APPENDIX
1. Periodic Progress Reports (PPR)
2. Business Model Canvas (BMC) and its Report
3. Patent Drafting Exercise (PDE)

5/25/2015 Periodic Progress Report (PPR) Details
1/1
Periodic Progess Report : First PPR
Project
:
Treatment And Energy Recovery From High BOD/COD Waste Water With Microbial Fuel Cell
Based Technology
Status : Submitted (Freeze)
What Progress you have made in the Project ?
In previous project phase we have done our literature survey and development of experimental
setup. In this semester project phase, till now we have listed the requirements of project
experimentation. Like chemicals, apparatus and testes to be done, etc.
What challenge you have faced ?
leak proofing is required for our self made setup.
What support you need ?
We request our college to provide enlisted chemicals and permission to perform enlisted testes
in written application to HOD, EST, SRICT
Which literature you have referred ?
Some of the early papers of Bruce E. Logan and Venkata is referred.

http://projects.gtu.ac.in/SitePages/PeriodicProgressReportDetails.aspx?enc=zL2vXvlAyzDVWB8xl3UH8D78KJtVMpZeq/zDCCKWnao= 1/1
Periodic Progess Report : Second PPR
Project
:
Treatment And Energy Recovery From High BOD/COD Waste Water With Microbial Fuel Cell Based Technology
Now we have to prepare inoculation, for that we have taken help of Miss. Rajeshwari Prajapati (lab. assi. biotech). We
learned to prepare inoculam by our selves since we are preparing mixed consortia. By the literature survey we have
decided to take marine sediments from nearby pond of our college and also activated sludge from CETP.
Preparation of microbial inoculam for carrying out experiment was a challenge for since we have short hand on
understanding microbiology. But Miss. Rajeshwari and our guide helped us understand inoculation procedure.
We require marine sediments as well as activated sludge from CETP. As an equipment we need centrifuge for making
pellet of collected sediments.
S. Venkata Mohan et al. (2008) “Bioelectricity generation from chemical wastewater treatment in mediatorless (anode)
microbial fuel cell (MFC) using selectively enriched hydrogen producing mixed culture under acidophilic
microenvironment” Biochemical Engineering Journal 39 (2008) 121–130

http://projects.gtu.ac.in/SitePages/PeriodicProgressReportDetails.aspx?enc=as2ER3+J2Vul321bfSn06e5QyB5m3BuPKU3tuXe5sOk= 1/1
Periodic Progess Report : Third PPR
Project
:
We have prepared synthetic wastewater, inoculum and salt bridge at first. then we have started our experimentation to
understand MFC technology for wastewater treatment. We ran our setup on inoculum itself made in synthetic
wastewater. We have noted our readings of voltage generated through MFC.
Salt bridge made from agar was not reliable since it was draining out. But overcame this problem.
We need a place where we can perform our experiments on MFC.
Bruce E. Logan et al. (2008) “Microbial Fuel Cells: Methodology and Technology” Environ. Sci. & Technol. S. Venkata
Mohan et al. (2008) “Bioelectricity generation from chemical wastewater treatment in mediatorless (anode) microbial
fuel cell (MFC) using selectively enriched hydrogen producing mixed culture under acidophilic microenvironment”
Biochemical Engineering Journal 39 (2008) 121–130

http://projects.gtu.ac.in/SitePages/PeriodicProgressReportDetails.aspx?enc=yW3urofingRBIW4wSQt2Ct5spXU8pWEWntP1UO4kmQo= 1/1
Periodic Progess Report : Forth PPR
Project
:
We have mention in previous PPR that we ran our setup on artificial/synthetic wastewater. Experimentation on
synthetic wastewater was carried out for 5 days continuous then after we removed syn wastewater from anaerobic
chamber leaving sludge(microbes) as it is settled down. Then we added diluted distillery wastewater from sugar
industry. And we noted reading of voltage and COD periodically (day basis). after 12 days of run we found declined
voltage and COD was constant. we made assumption that COD will remain as it is from now.
We were suggested to determine F/M ratio. but since our objective was to check feasibility of the MFC technology on
wastewater only there was some confusions between us. but we decided to stick to our objective.
Facility to carry out experimentation.
Hampannavar U.S , Anupama , Pradeep N.V , Treatment of distillery wastewater using single chamber and double
chambered MFC, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Volume 2, No 1, 2011

THE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS
TEAM ID: 25717

DESIGNED FOR: Microbial fuel cell
DESIGNED BY: Sagar Divetiya, Ayushi Sharma, Sanket rai, Yash Kapadia
Guided by: Mr. Manoj Kumar (HOD Enviro. Sci. & Tech.)
KEY PARTNER
 Biochemical department –development of microbes
 Experts advice for the project
 Feedback from the internal professor
 Assistance from the guide
 Data from the previous studies
KEY ACTIVITY
 Identification of wastewater with high BOD/COD
 Treatment of wastewater generation of electricity
 Optimization of parameter
KEY RESOURCES
 Data from the literature survey
 Efforts of individual as a team
 Self Financial resource
VALUE PROPOSITIONS
 Latest technology for treatment of wastewater
 Great performance and feasibility due to generation of electricity
 Alternate of the biological treatment
 Easy to access , close monitoring of system is not require
 Over all cost reduction in the treatment
 Performance can be increased by the optimization
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP
 Self service
 Automated service
CHANNELS
 Direct contact
 Contact through the college
CUSTOMER SEGMENT

 Chemical industry, food industry
 High BOD wastewater generator
 Municipal authority
COST STRUCTURE
 Economic process, decrease the cost of power production
 Less manpower is required so the manpower cost will reduced
 Cost driven product provide inexpensive, quality product
 Manufacturing cost and customer acquisitions cost
REVENUE STREAM
 Direct sales
 Direct pay through the banking
 No bargaining on the product
 Product is volume dependent

GIC Patent Drafting Exercise Team ID:
FORM 1
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PATENT
(FOR OFFICE USE ONLY)
Application No:
Filing Date:
Amount of Fee paid:
CBR No:
GTU Innovation Council
25717
1. Applicant(s) :
ID Name Nationality Address Mobile No. Email
Sagarkumar
Jyotindrakuma
r Divetiya
Environmental Science &
Technology , Shroff S R
Rotary Institute Of
Chemical Technology, At
& Po: Vataria, Bharuch ,
Gujarat Technologycal
University.
7405651447 sagardivetiya@liv
e.com
Indian1
Yash
Ketankumar
Kapadia
Rotary Institute Of
University.
7405328365 yashkkapadia@g
mail.com
Indian2
Ayushi Sanjay
Sharma
Rotary Institute Of
University.
9974539630 ayushi1602shar
ma@gmail.com
Indian3
Sanket
Mahendranath
Rai
Rotary Institute Of
University.
8401260805 sanketrai16@gm
ail.com
Indian4
2. Inventor(s):
This is just a mock Patent Drafting Exercise (PDE) for semester 8, BE students of GTU.
These documents are not to be submitted with any patent office.
Note :
Page 1 of 5

Mobile No. EmailAddressNationalityNameID
Sagarkumar
Jyotindrakumar
Divetiya
Environmental Science
& Technology , Shroff
S R Rotary Institute Of
Chemical Technology,
At & Po: Vataria,
Bharuch , Gujarat
Technologycal
University.
7405651447 sagardivetiya@l
ive.com
Indian1
Yash
Ketankumar
Kapadia
At & Po: Vataria,
Bharuch , Gujarat
Technologycal
University.
7405328365 yashkkapadia@
gmail.com
Indian2
Ayushi Sanjay
Sharma
At & Po: Vataria,
Bharuch , Gujarat
Technologycal
University.
9974539630 ayushi1602shar
ma@gmail.com
Indian3
Sanket
Mahendranath
Rai
At & Po: Vataria,
Bharuch , Gujarat
Technologycal
University.
8401260805 sanketrai16@g
mail.com
Indian4
3. Title of Invention/Project:
Treatment And Energy Recovery From High BOD/COD Waste Water With Microbial Fuel Cell Based
Technology
4. Address for correspondence of applicant/authorized patent agent in india
Name:
Address:
Mobile:
Email ID:
Sagarkumar Jyotindrakumar Divetiya
Environmental Science & Technology , Shroff S R Rotary Institute Of Chemical Technology, At
& Po: Vataria, Bharuch , Gujarat Technological University.
7405651447
sagardivetiya@live.com
5. Priority particulars of the application(S) field in convention country
Name of the Applicant Title of the InventionFiling DateApplication No.Country
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Note :
Page 2 of 5

6. Particulars for filing patent co-operation treaty (pct) national phase Application
International application number International filing date as alloted by the receiving office
N/A N/A
7. Particulars for filing divisional application
Original(First) Application Number Date of filing of Original (first) application
N/A N/A
8. Particulars for filing patent of addition
Original(First) Application Number Date of filing of Original (first) application
N/A N/A
9. DECLARATIONS:
(i) Declaration by the inventor(s)
I/We, the above named inventor(s) is/are true & first inventor(s) for this invention and declare that the
applicant(s).
herein is/are my/our assignee or legal representative.
Date : 20 - May - 2015
Signature & DateName
1 Sagarkumar
Jyotindrakumar
Divetiya
2 Yash Ketankumar
Kapadia
3 Ayushi Sanjay
Sharma
4 Sanket Mahendranath
Rai
(ii) Declaration by the applicant(s) in the convention country
I/We, the applicant(s) hereby declare(s) that:-
(iii) Declaration by the applicant(s)
I/We, the applicant (s) in the convention country declare that the applicant(s) herein is/are my/our
assignee or legal representative.applicant(s)
Note :
Page 3 of 5

I am/We in possession of the above mentioned invention.
The provisional/complete specification relating to the invention is filed with this aplication.
The invention as disclosed in the spcification uses the biological material from India and the necessary
permission from the competent authority shall be submitted by me/us before the grant of patent to me/us.
There is no lawful ground of objection to the grant of the patent to me/us.
I am/we are the assignee or the legal representative of true & first inventors.
The application or each of the application,particulars of each are given in the para 5 was the first applicatin in
the convention country/countries in respect of my/our invention.
The application or each of the application,particulars of each are given in the para 5 was the first applicatin in
the convention country/countries in respect of my/our invention.
I/we claim the priority from the above mentioned applications(s) filed in the convention country/countries &
state that no application for protection in respect of invention had been made in a convention country before
that date by me/us or by any person
My/Our application in india is based on international application under Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) as
mentioned in para 6
The application is divided out of my/our application(s) particulars of which are given in para 7 and pray that
this application may be treated as deemed to have been filed on ___________under section 16 of the Act.
The said invention is an improvement in or modification of the invention particulars of ehivh are given in para
8.
(a) Provisional specification/Complete specification
(b) Complete specification(In confirmation with the international application) / as amended before the
international Preliminary Examination Authority (IPEA),as applicable(2 copies),No.of pages.....No.of
claims.....
(c) Drawings (In confirmation with the international application)/as amended before the international
Preliminary Examination Authority(IPEA),as applicable(2 copies),No.of sheets....
(d) Priority documents
(e) Translations of priority documents/specification/international search reports
(f) Statement and undertaking on Form 3
(g) Power of Authority
(h) Declaration of inventorship on Form 5
(i) Sequence listing in electronic Form
(j) ........................................ Fees Rs.XXX in Cash /Cheque/Bank Draft bearin No.XXX Date: XXX on XXX
Bank.
10. Following are the attachments with the application:
I/We hereby declare that to the best of my /our knowledge, information and belief the fact and mtters stated
herein are correct and I/We request that a patent may be granted to me/us for the said invention.
Dated this 20 day of May , 2015
Note :
Page 4 of 5

Name Signature & Date
1 Sagarkumar
Jyotindrakumar
Divetiya
2 Yash Ketankumar
Kapadia
3 Ayushi Sanjay
Sharma
4 Sanket Mahendranath
Rai
Note :
Page 5 of 5

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
25717
1. Title of the project/invention :
Treatment And Energy Recovery From High BOD/COD Waste Water With Microbial Fuel Cell Based
Technology
Sagarkumar Jyotindrakumar Divetiya , ( Indian )
Address :Environmental Science & Technology , Shroff S R Rotary Institute Of Chemical Technology, At & Po:
Vataria, Bharuch , Gujarat Technologycal University.
Yash Ketankumar Kapadia , ( Indian )
Ayushi Sanjay Sharma , ( Indian )
Sanket Mahendranath Rai , ( Indian )
2. Applicant(s) :
3. Preamble to the description :
The following specification describes the invention.
Note :
Page 1 of 7

4. Description :
a. Field of Application / Project / Invention :
Treatment of high BOD/COD wastewater and simultaneous energy production using Microbial fuel
cell.
b. Prior Art / Background of the Invention / References :
Microbial fuel cell directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy just as electrochemical
cell where as conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has intermediate steps to convert
chemical energy into electrical energy. In anaerobic digestion technology, adequate pressure of
biogas must be generated and biogas must be stored. Then to generated electricity, biogas need to
be combusted and heat energy is then converted to electrical energy through intermediate prime
mover.In addition, the quality of the biogas produced is often suboptimal. Conventional AD and
MFC technologies can be regarded as complementary technologies. The combination of the two
technologies allows for broadening the spectrum of the bioconversion technology. While
conventional AD can be applied on an industrial scale to treat high strength substrates at
temperatures above 30 °C, the niche applications of MFCs are to be sought in low concentrated
substrates and low temperature conversions. A number of factors still limit the application spectrum
of MFCs. In order to overcome the limitations of MFCs, making the technology practical and
economically feasible as well as sustainable, the key research and development features for the
future are: (i) New materials for better configurations of MFCs, particularly dry cathodes that have a
high affinity to oxygen and use gaseous oxygen directly from the air; (ii) Low material costs as well
as low operational costs and (iii) A reliable output of “non-commodity” electricity produced by MFCs.
c. Summary of the Invention/Project :
World is facing various environmental and energy issues nowadays. Researcher around the world
are trying to find the solutions of these global issues. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a technology which
has potential to shot two target with one arrow. In other words, this technology can solve both the
problems with its endless possibilities.
It is hard to say right now when MFCs will be implemented on a large scale at treatment plants .
Since MFCs are a relatively new technology, the time required to fully develop them depends on the
level of investment and quality of research. MFC research becomes difficult as expertise required in
various field of science and engineering like environmental engineering, material science,
electrochemistry, instrumentation, biochemistry, biology, physical chemistry, etc.
In Indian scenario it is a big question of feasibility of the wastewater treatment and energy
generation using microbial fuel cell based technology. Indian researchers have done initial research
on this noble technology but still there is long way to go. It is really important to think about where to
start to make this technology for commercial implementation. As the complexity of the technology is
too high, precise understanding must be there for implementation of the technology.
d. Objects of the Invention/Project :
In order to address problem mentioned above about the understanding and feasibility of MFC
technology for wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy recovery, following are the
objectives of this project.
1. Construction of specific experimental setup for MFC.
2. Implementation of precise methodology and evaluation of the same.
3. Selection and preparation of mixed consortia for MFC.
4. Optimization of feed wastewater COD for maximum voltage generation.
5. Evaluate effect of surface area of electrode on electricity generation.
6. Analyze COD reduction of distillery wastewater
7. Analyze voltage generation of distillery wastewater
8. Check feasibility of the technology on distillery wastewater
9. Determine future scope and scale up possibilities
e. Drawing(s) :
Note :
Page 2 of 7

25717_1_1 Setup spec
25717_2_0 Setup construcition
25717_3_3 Solidified salt bridge
f. Description of the Invention
Setup is designed to state the cost-effective basic design, keeping in mind that the project is the
initial efforts to reveal the potential of the MFC technology for wastewater treatment. Setup is to be
constructed from inert material avoid inhibition of microbial activity. For that purpose material of
construction is acrylic with the silicone as sealant.
It was really necessary to gain considerable output even at very first attempt, volume of MFC is
decided to be 1.5 liter each chamber. Dimensions are determined such that the electrodes and inlet
outlet can be positioned. From the literature survey, solid graphite electrodes are found cheap at
the same time efficient as well.
Two types of graphite electrode are used for the variation in surface area to study the effects of
surface area on electricity generation. One of the electrode is made up of pencil graphite lead and
another is graphite hollow tube.
For the easy pouring and removal of the salt bridge, at a same time keeping the lower distance
between electrode salt bridge is constructed as shown in figure.
Anaerobic chamber has a lid and gasket arrangement to completely seal the chamber so that
anaerobic system can be maintained. Lid is having holes for pouring wastewater and electrode
wire. But sealed with silicone after placing feed pipe and wire. For the removal of wastewater tap is
given at the bottom. Aerobic chamber is open and have air sparger and electrode.
Microbes are the most important part of the MFC, because without selective enrichment of
microbial culture, MFC won’t work efficiently. From the literature survey it is found that mixed
microbial consortia from marine sediments, activated sludge or anaerobic digester biomass gives
maximum output in MFC after some pretreatment.
Inoculum is prepared by the following method, pond sediments (from the deep down bottom
ensuring anaerobic microbes present) and activated sludge is taken to centrifuge at 5000 rpm and
22 °C. It washed thrice with saline buffer (2g NaCl, 0.30 g K2HPO4, 0.084 g KH2PO4 in 250ml of
distilled water, pH 7.0) and centrifuged each time at same rpm. The pellet remains at bottom after
washing away raffinate. It was in enriched in synthetic wastewater consists of 0.5 g/l NH4Cl, 0.25
g/l KH2PO4, 0.25 g/l K2HPO4, 0.3 g/l MgCl2, 25 mg/l CoCl2, 11.5 mg/l ZnCl2, 10.5 mg/l CuCl2, 5
mg/l CaCl2, 15 g/l MnCl2, 3 g/l Glucose, pH 5.5, COD 3.4 g/l.
During the enrichment bottles are kept closed to provide aseptic anaerobic microenvironment
at 10 rpm, room temperature and acidophilic pH 5.5 is maintained to sustain acidogenic (hydrogen
producing) bacteria, which also inhibits the activity of methanogenic bacteria in return which will
enhance the hydrogen production, highly required for MFC operation.
Now pretreatment of the enriched synthetic wastewater is done by heat shock treatment at
100°C for 2hour and then pH 3 is adjusted by 88% orthophosphoric acid and let it remain for 24h.
This treatment will completely inhibit the growth of methanogenic bacteria. Meanwhile hydrogen
producing bacteria will form a cyst to sustain at such high temperature. In this manner rich mixed
microbial culture is prepared for MFC. Before use in MFC prepared inoculum is subjected to pH
adjustment to 7.0 ± 0.5 under complete anaerobic microenvironment.
Salt bridge is made of agar + salt. 100ml of distill water is taken in 250ml beaker and put on the
heating at 80°, now 0.1g KCl is added as a salt and dissolved. Provide continuous stirring and add
5 g agar slowly until the viscosity of the solution rich to solidify.
Cotton plugs are placed to the two side opening of the salt bridge casing pipe and solution is
immediately poured in to it from middle opening as shown in figure. Let it be until the agar salt
bridge is solidified completely. For 2 to 3 hours. Now salt bridge is ready for operation.
During the operation pH is maintained at 7.0 ± 0.5. Decrease in pH will reduce the output voltage.
Whole project experimentation is carried out at room temperature i.e. 25 ± 5 °C.
g. Examples
Note :
Page 3 of 7

h. Unique Features of the Project
1. Increased capacity of cell
2. Advantageous over Anaerobic digestion
3. Not power consuming but producing
4. Minimal use of chemicals
5. Basic and simple H-type lab scale design
5. Date & Signature :
Date : 20 - May - 2015
Sign and Date
Sagarkumar
Jyotindrakumar
Divetiya
Sign and Date
Yash Ketankumar
Kapadia
Sign and Date
Ayushi Sanjay
Sharma
Sign and Date
Sanket Mahendranath
Rai
6. Abstract of the project / invention :
Energy and waste management are two crisis that world is facing nowadays. A Microbial fuel cells (MFC) is
a collective solution of these two crisis. MFC converts energy of chemical bond of biodegradable compound
into electricity with the help of microorganisms. MFC technology has very wide range of applications but
very recent researches are more focused on wastewater treatment and biosensor technology. There are
many types of MFCs are made but among all those 2-chamber H-type MFC is used in study because it is
best for preliminary experimental purpose. MFC works on the same principle as Fuel Cells. The anoxic
anode chamber is connected internally to the cathode chamber via an ion exchange membrane or salt
bridge with the circuit completed by an external wire.The project report contains experimental setup
construction, setup run prerequisites and results. Salt bridge is considered for Experimental setup.
In whole project we are aiming to check treatability of industrial wastewater and review of benefits of MFC
technology for wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy generation. The report presents the study
done to understand various aspects of design and operation of MFC and how it is implemented to make an
experimental setup of MFC as well as feasibility and benefits of MFC technology for wastewater treatment.
Note :
Page 4 of 7

Drawing Attachments :
25717_1_1 Setup spec
Note :
Page 5 of 7

25717_2_0 Setup construcition
Note :
Page 6 of 7

25717_3_3 Solidified salt bridge
Note :
Page 7 of 7

FORM 3
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
STATEMENT AND UNDERTAKING UNDER SECTION 8
25717
1. Declaration :
Sagarkumar Jyotindrakumar Divetiya ,
Yash Ketankumar Kapadia ,
Ayushi Sanjay Sharma ,
Sanket Mahendranath Rai ,
I/We,
Sagarkumar Jyotindrakumar Divetiya ( Indian )
Address : Environmental Science & Technology , Shroff S R Rotary Institute
Of Chemical Technology, At & Po: Vataria, Bharuch , Gujarat Technologycal
University.
Yash Ketankumar Kapadia ( Indian )
University.
Ayushi Sanjay Sharma ( Indian )
University.
Sanket Mahendranath Rai ( Indian )
University.
2. Name, Address and Nationality of the joint Applicant :
Name of the
Country
Date of
Application
Application
Number
Status of the
Application
Date of
Publication
Date of
Grant
N/A N/A N/A N/AN/AN/A
(i) that I/We have not made any application for the same/substantially the same
invention outside India.
(ii) that the right in the application(s) has/have been assigned to,
Here by declare:
(iii) that I/We undertake that up to the date of grant of patent by the Controller , I/We
would keep him inform in writing the details regarding corresponding application(s)
for patents filed outside India within 3 months from the date of filing of such
application.
Dated this 20 day of May , 2015.
3. Signature of Applicants :
Note :
Page 1 of 2

Sign and Date
Sagarkumar
Jyotindrakumar Divetiya
Sign and Date
Yash Ketankumar
Kapadia
Sign and Date
Ayushi Sanjay Sharma
Sign and Date
Sanket Mahendranath
Rai
To
The Controller of Patent
The Patent Office, at Mumbai.
Note :
Page 2 of 2

Sagar Project Report (2)

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