ELECTRICITY GENERATION FROM FOOD WASTE LEACHATE (RICE) USING MICROBIAL FUEL CELL

Authors

  • Sim Sy Yi Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400, Johor, Malaysia
  • Pravin Raj Kannan Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400, Johor, Malaysia
  • Kah Haw Law Electrical and Electronic Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1410, Brunei
  • Mohd Abdul Talib Mat Yusoh School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam Selangor, Malaysia
  • Alvin John Lim Meng Siang Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400, Johor, Malaysia
  • Ammar Alamshah ARES Energy Sdn Bhd,42300, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/aej.v16.24231

Keywords:

Sustainable waste management,, Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), Food waste leachate, Dual-chamber MFC, Rice slurry, Renewable energy, microbial fuel cells (MFCs), food waste leachate, rice slurry, electrode materials, dual-chamber MFC.

Abstract

The growing need for renewable energy and effective waste management has encouraged the development of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which convert organic waste into electricity. This study investigates electricity generation from food waste leachate, specifically rice slurry, using a dual-chamber MFC. The anode chamber was filled with rice slurry as the substrate, while the cathode chamber contained water with potassium permanganate as the oxidizing agent. Experimental trials were conducted under three conditions: (i) electrode comparison between copper and carbon graphite plates, (ii) temperature variations at room temperature and direct sunlight, and (iii) addition of potassium ferricyanide in the anode and potassium permanganate in the cathode chambers. Performance was evaluated by monitoring voltage, current, and power output across 10 days. Results showed a peak voltage of 137 mV, current of 1.37 mA, and maximum power of 0.1877 mW using graphite electrodes on Day 5. Elevated temperatures enhanced microbial activity and energy generation, while chemical additives improved electron transfer and redox efficiency. These findings demonstrate the potential of MFCs to provide dual benefits of renewable energy generation and sustainable waste reduction, supporting scalable eco-friendly energy solutions.

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Published

2026-08-31

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3: September 2026

Section

Articles