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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Cristian Picioreanu, Krishna Katuri, Professor Ian Head, Emeritus Professor Keith Scott
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This study describes the integration of IWA'S anaerobic digestion model (ADM1) within a computational model of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Several populations of methanogenic and electroactive microorganisms coexist suspended in the anolyte and in the biofilm attached to the anode. A number of biological, chemical and electrochemical reactions occur in the bulk liquid, in the biofilm and at the electrode surface, involving glucose, organic acids, H2 and redox mediators. Model output includes the evolution in time of important measurable MFC parameters (current production, consumption of substrates, suspended and attached biomass growth). Two-and three-dimensional model simulations reveal the importance of current and biomass heterogeneous distribution over the planar anode surface. Voltage- and power-current characteristics can be calculated at different moments in time to evaluate the limiting regime in which the MFC operates. Finally, model simulations are compared with experimental results showing that, in a batch MFC, smaller electrical resistance of the circuit leads to selection of electroactive bacteria. Higher coulombic yields are so obtained because electrons from substrate are transferred to anode rather than following the methanogenesis pathway. In addition to higher currents, faster COD consumption rates are so achieved. The potential of this general modelling framework is in the understanding and design of more complex cases of wastewater-fed microbial fuel cells. © IWA Publishing 2008.
Author(s): Picioreanu C, Katuri KP, Head IM, Van Loosdrecht MCM, Scott K
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Water Science and Technology
Year: 2008
Volume: 57
Issue: 7
Pages: 965-971
ISSN (print): 0273-1223
ISSN (electronic):
Publisher: IWA Publishing
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2008.095
DOI: 10.2166/wst.2008.095
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