Research Article
Simultaneous Chromium Removal and Power Generation Using Algal Biomass in a Dual Chambered Salt Bridge Microbial Fuel Cell
Singhvi P1 and Chhabra M2* | |
1Biological Science and Bio-Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India | |
2Centre for Excellence in Biologically Inspired System Science and System Science, Indian Institute of Technology-Rajasthan, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342011, India | |
Corresponding Author : | Dr. Meenu Chhabra Assistant Professor in Biologically Inspired System Science Indian Institute of Technology-Rajasthan Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342011, India Tel: +91- 0291-2449056 E-mail: meenuchhabra@iitj.ac.in |
Received February 13, 2013; Accepted June 05, 2013; Published June 07, 2013 | |
Citation: Singhvi P, Chhabra M (2013) Simultaneous Chromium Removal and Power Generation Using Algal Biomass in a Dual Chambered Salt Bridge Microbial Fuel Cell. J Bioremed Biodeg 4:190. doi: 10.4172/2155-6199.1000190 | |
Copyright: © 2013 Singhvi P, et al. This is an open-a ccess article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. | |
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Abstract
Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical device used essentially for power generation and is now emerging as a sustainable waste treatment system. In this paper, we report detoxification of chromium VI contaminated water using algae biomass in a dual chamber salt bridge MFC. The device showed high chromium removal efficiency with 98% removal achieved in 96 h at pH 2. Initial pH of the cathode solution had a significant effect on device performance with acidic pH values favouring high chromium removal, Open Circuit Potential (OCV), power density and anodic COD removal. The power density value of 207 mW/m 2 and open circuit potential of 760 mV was attained at pH 2. Algae biomass driven MFC thus, proved to be an efficient bioremediation device with good power production.