Scheme for Young Scientist and Technologists (SYST)
Project title: Biofilm engineering methods for enhancing the performance of microbial fuel cells (SP/YO/2021/2243 (G))
Funded by Scheme for Young Scientist and Technologists (SYST
Total Sanctioned Cost: Rs 26,55,899/-
Duration: 2024 – 2027
Principal Investigators: Dr. Sathish Kumar R, Associate Professor (Research)
Brief Description of the Project:
The rice mill industry, especially in regions like Red Hills, Chennai, faces environmental challenges due to the discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater. This effluent is rich in organic matter-mainly starch, husk particles, and oil residues-resulting in high Chemical and Biological Oxygen Demand (COD and BOD). When released into the environment, it depletes oxygen levels in nearby water bodies, causing eutrophication and loss of aquatic biodiversity. It can also contaminate soil and groundwater, posing risks to agriculture and public health. Additionally, the anaerobic decomposition of these organics' releases methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. With over 200 rice mills operating in Red Hills alone, the cumulative pollution load is significant. Conventional treatment methods such as aerated lagoons and activated sludge systems are commonly used but often involve high energy costs, generate large amounts of sludge, and lack energy recovery potential. Addressing this gap, the present project proposes a sustainable solution using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), which combine wastewater treatment with renewable energy generation. This project developed a lab-scale, biofilm-engineered MFC system designed specifically for rice mill wastewater. At its core, the system features novel electrodes composed of nickel foam coated with hydrothermally synthesized graphene materials-namely reduced graphene oxide (rGO), nitrogen-doped rGO (N-rGO), and sulfur-doped rGO (S-rGO)-to improve conductivity and catalytic activity. These nanomaterials were structurally validated via FTIR and XRD analysis. A sulfonated polyether ether ketone (S-PEEK) membrane was also fabricated as a cost-effective proton exchange membrane with enhanced ionic conductivity and durability, offering an alternative to commercial Nafion membranes. Exoelectrogenic bacteria isolated from rice mill wastewater were used to develop electroactive biofilms on the anode, which enhances substrate degradation and electron transfer. These isolates are currently undergoing 16S rRNA sequencing for taxonomic identification. The 300 mL lab-scale MFC prototype demonstrated effective COD reduction and hydrogen gas production, validating the performance of the electrode, membrane, and microbial components. This technology offers a circular approach to waste management by converting organic pollutants into clean energy. It supports environmental protection, energy recovery, and low-cost wastewater remediation. The project aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable industry and innovation (SDG 9), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). Future work will focus on optimizing material performance, scaling up to field applications in working rice mills, and exploring resource recovery of treated water and biosludge-based fertilizer. This integrated solution not only addresses pollution but also promotes industrial sustainability and rural development.
Approved Objectives of the Proposal:
To design and fabricate the lab-scale (300 mL) model MFC and isolation and identification of exoelectrogens in rice mill industry wastewater
To develop graphene-based nanocomposites by incorporating rGO in the formulation of the nickel-based nanocatalysts along with confirmation characterization techniques and investigation of its realistic performance in MFC.
To fabricate the Indigenous high-performance membranes for MFC
To study the biohydrogen production from rice mill industry effluents using nickel-based electrode materials as cathodes in MFC.
To evaluate the performance of the thick anode biofilm growth on the performance of the MFC.