Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology

Abstract

Simultaneous Decolorization of Methyl Red and Generation of Electricity in Microbial Fuel Cell by Bacillus circulans NPP1

Jumma Shaikh, Niranjan P Patil, Vikas Shinde and Vishwas B Gaikwad

This study examined azo dye methyl red decolorization in a 2 chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC). The primary objectives of the study were to construct MFC and evaluate methyl red decolorizing and degrading bacterium Bacillus circulans potential in simultaneous decolorization and electricity generation process. In MFC, both the chambers were connected by Nafion 117 Proton exchange membrane and Graphite electrodes were placed in cathode and anode chamber for optimum electron transfer performance in open circuit system. Under an optimal condition 98% methyl red (300 ppm) decolorization, 9.9 mg/l/h maximum decolorization rate and 856 mW/m2 maximum power densities were achieved. As compared to traditional anaerobic technology higher decolorization and electricity generation efficiency was achieved by MFC. Bacillus circulans is electrogenic bacteria having potential in MFC technology.