Isolation and Characterization of Electrogenic Bacteria from Tannery Wastewater

Abstract

Currently, nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are the main sources of our energy1. World is facing energy crisis due to its high global demand, depletion of fossil based fuels for energy generation and an explosion of world population which is rising with time2. Burning of fossil based fuels also has a serious effect on environment owing to emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that cause global warming and atmospheric pollution3. Energy crisis as well as environmental pollution situations are very prominent in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is very necessary to find an effective alternative source for energy generation to meet energy demand and to mitigate environmental pollution as early as possible4. Indeed, renewable energy sources such as solar energy, energy produced from wind and water may be the pieces of cogent solution for this energy crisis5-6. Biomass, especially organic waste, is being considered as a valuable candidate. The use of biomass, in the case of waste organics, is environment friendly and regarded as a renewable energy source7. Energy from biomass can be harnessed in the form of ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen cells as well as in the form of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for power generation8.