Pharmaceutical wastewater treatment in ceramic separator MFC: Optimisation of operating parameters to improve organic removal and power generation

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) can be used to simultaneously treat wastewater and generate energy using microorganisms as biocatalysts. To improve its performance, optimization of the various process variables and determination of effects of their interactions needs to be explored. In the present study, a full factorial statistical experimental design study of 11 runs was conducted to analyse the effect of influent COD (1500–3500 mg/L), pH (5–9) and recirculation ratio (0–1:1) on power density and COD removal efficiency while treating pharmaceutical wastewater. Statistical models were developed using full factorial design (α = 0.05, p < 0.05). The main effects of the all the three factors were found to be significant on COD removal efficiency; however, the interaction effects were found to be insignificant. On the other hand, the main effects as well as the interaction effect of COD and pH were found to be significant on power density. It was predicted that the optimum COD removal efficiency of 68 % and power density of 219.4 mW/m³ can be achieved in an MFC with an influent COD of 1960 mg/L and pH of 8.9 at a recirculation ratio of 0.99.