Effect of operating parameters on the performance of sediment microbial fuel cell treating aquaculture water

- Performance of SMFC was evaluated for in situ remediation of aquaculture water.
- Effect of electrodes distance, feed pH and external resistance was evaluated.
- COD and TN removal and power production of SMFC are affected by these variables.
- Correlation among these operating parameters and response is established.
- Statistical experimental design is used to optimize the performance of SMFC.

While performing in situ water quality remediation of aquaculture water using sediment microbial fuel cell, the present study provides effect of operating pH, distance between electrodes, and external resistance on organic matter and nitrogen removal as well as on power generation. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was observed to be directly proportional to the distance between electrodes and inversely proportional to the influent pH as well as external resistance. However, total nitrogen (TN) removal increased with increase in pH and distance between electrodes; whereas it decreased with increase in external resistance. Power production reduced with decrease in pH, but increased with decrease in external resistance and distance between electrodes. Two factor and three factor interactions were observed to be less significant for COD, TN removal and power density. From the statistical correlation among these parameters, feed pH of 7.6-8.5, distance between electrode of 90-100 cm and external resistance of 0-52 Ω were found to be optimum for achieving optimal COD removal, TN removal and power density. Validation of model predictions for treatment of aquaculture water conceded that the SMFC exhibited acceptable COD and TN removal efficiencies which in turn facilitate its use for in situ aquaculture water remediation effectively.