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Application of Microbial Fuel Cell for Bioremediation of Sewage Sludge

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Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) Applications for Sludge Valorization

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Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the potential application of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology for the bioremediation of sewage sludge. The abundance of sewage sludge and its associated contaminants presents a significant challenge to environmental sustainability, necessitating the development of innovative approaches for its treatment. The implementation of MFC technology offers a promising alternative approach that can simultaneously provide bioremediation and power generation benefits. The chapter highlights current research and studies on the utilization of MFC for sewage sludge treatment, including an overview of the mechanisms involved in the adaptation of the technology to address environmental issues associated with sewage sludge pollution. The chapter also discusses parameters for enhancing MFC performance, such as the combination of inoculum, substrate pretreatment, sludge concentration, and the effect of nitrate and sulfate. The earliest applications of MFC technology for sludge treatment are also discussed, including the configuration of the system, the use of sludge as a substrate, and the adjustment of pH to suit the system. Early MFC research also focused on nutrient recovery. Overall, the chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential contribution of MFC technology to sustainable wastewater management. By utilizing MFC technology for the bioremediation of sewage sludge, researchers can develop innovative solutions for addressing environmental challenges, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Universiti Sains Malaysia for the financial support of this study via APEX Era grant (1001/PTEKIND/881004). The authors have declared no conflict of interest for the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Industrial Technology, Bioprocess Technology Division, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia

    Mohamad Farhan Mohamad Sobri & Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar

  2. Centre for Innovation and Consultation, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia

    Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar

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  1. Mohamad Farhan Mohamad Sobri
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Correspondence to Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

    Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar

  2. Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Faculty of, Arau, Perlis, Malaysia

    Hafiza Shukor

  3. Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

    Abu Zahrim Yaser

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Mohamad Sobri, M.F., Mohd Zaini Makhtar, M. (2023). Application of Microbial Fuel Cell for Bioremediation of Sewage Sludge. In: Mohd Zaini Makhtar, M., Shukor, H., Yaser, A.Z. (eds) Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) Applications for Sludge Valorization. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1083-0_5

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