STATISTICAL EVALUATION FOR BACTERIA ELECTRO-STIMULATION USING THE DUNNETT METHOD FOR A MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

Abstract

A microbial fuel cell is a bioelectrochemical device that uses microorganisms, such as electrogenic bacteria, capable of generating electricity. However, the electrical energy generated depends mainly on the ability of the microorganisms present in the anode to decompose the organic matter contained in an effluent. In this work, an electrochemical setting formed as an anode and a cathode of graphite felt were connected in an electrical circuit to electro-stimulate microorganisms to enhance the biofilm on the anode. In this sense, different potential values were imposed in several electrochemical cells to evaluate chemical oxygen demand, volatile solids, and bacteria increase. Dunnett method was used to find significant differences between treatments, taking a sample without treatment as the control sample.