Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)

The global food industry, while vital, faces significant challenges in managing its wastewater. These effluents are typically rich in organic compounds, leading to high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and considerable disposal costs, alongside environmental concerns. Traditional wastewater treatment methods can be energy-intensive and may not offer avenues for resource recovery. Our company introduces a transformative approach: Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology, specifically engineered to address these challenges by converting food processing wastewater into bioelectricity while simultaneously purifying it, paving the way for a more sustainable and circular economy within the sector.

Fig 1. Food Waste Condensate Concentration on the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells (Theofilos K., 2022)

We specialize in providing cutting-edge Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) services tailored to the unique needs of the food industry. Our core offering focuses on the dual benefits of sustainable wastewater treatment and energy generation, coupled with opportunities for high-value byproduct development. By harnessing the metabolic power of microorganisms, our MFC systems efficiently treat organic-rich effluents, converting waste streams into a valuable resource. This innovative approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also introduces new revenue streams and operational efficiencies for our clients.

Technical Principles

MFCs are bio-electrochemical devices that utilize exoelectrogenic microorganisms (microbes capable of transferring electrons externally) as catalysts. In the anaerobic anode chamber of an MFC, these microorganisms oxidize organic matter present in the food wastewater (the fuel). This process releases electrons (e-) and protons (H+). The electrons are transferred to the anode electrode and flow through an external circuit to the cathode electrode, generating electrical current. Protons migrate through a proton exchange membrane (PEM) or a salt bridge to the cathode chamber. At the cathode, electrons and protons combine with an electron acceptor, typically oxygen, to form water.

Technical Features

Our MFC technology offers several distinct advantages:

• Direct Energy Recovery: Generation of electricity directly from wastewater, with our systems achieving a notable power density up to 1.2 W/m3.
• High COD Removal Efficiency: Demonstrates exceptional organic load reduction, consistently achieving COD removal rates greater than 90%.
• Reduced Sludge Production: Compared to conventional aerobic treatment, MFCs typically produce significantly less sludge, reducing disposal costs.
• Ambient Temperature Operation: Operates effectively at ambient temperatures, minimizing energy input for heating.
• Modular and Scalable Design: Systems can be customized and scaled to meet varying plant capacities and effluent characteristics.
• Potential for Byproduct Valorization: Besides electricity, MFCs can be integrated into processes for recovering valuable biochemicals.

Application Areas

Our MFC technology is highly adaptable for treating various types of wastewater from:

• Dairy processing
• Breweries and distilleries
• Fruit and vegetable processing
• Sugar and confectionery manufacturing
• Starch processing
• Abattoirs and meat processing facilities.

Environmental Benefits

• Reduced Water Pollution: Significant decrease in COD and BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of discharged water.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for wastewater treatment energy needs and potentially for plant operations.
• Sustainable Waste Management: Transforms waste into a resource, aligning with circular economy principles.
• Odor Reduction: Anaerobic digestion within the anode compartment can mitigate odor issues associated with raw wastewater.

Our Services

Our company is dedicated to providing end-to-end solutions and expert support to ensure the successful integration and optimal performance of MFC technology within your food processing operations. We understand that each facility has unique requirements, and our services are designed to be flexible and comprehensive. Our commitment extends from initial assessment through to long-term operational excellence. We offer the following specific services:

• Wastewater Characterization and Feasibility Studies: Detailed analysis of your wastewater streams (COD, BOD, nutrient content, pH, flow rates) to determine suitability and potential energy yield. We provide comprehensive reports outlining the economic and environmental viability of MFC implementation.
• Custom MFC System Design and Engineering: Tailoring MFC reactor configurations (e.g., single-chamber, dual-chamber, stacked MFCs), electrode materials, and operational parameters to your specific effluent characteristics and treatment goals.
• Pilot-Scale Testing and Validation: On-site or laboratory-based pilot programs to demonstrate system performance, optimize operational parameters, and gather data for full-scale design.

• Full-Scale System Fabrication, Installation, and Commissioning: Complete turnkey solutions including manufacturing, on-site installation, integration with existing infrastructure, and system startup.
• Operational Support, Monitoring, and Optimization: Remote and on-site monitoring services, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance to ensure sustained high efficiency.
• Consultancy for High-Value Byproduct Development: Expert advice on identifying and developing pathways for valorizing byproducts or integrating MFCs with other bio-refinery concepts.

Company Service Advantages

Contact Us

Our advanced microbial fuel cell technology offers a paradigm shift in wastewater management for the food industry. By converting a problematic waste stream into a source of renewable energy and enabling significant improvements in effluent quality, we empower your business to achieve greater sustainability and operational efficiency. Partner with us to transform your food wastewater challenges into an opportunity for innovation and environmental stewardship.

How to Place an Order

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.