Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are promising bioelectrochemical systems for simultaneous wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. In this study, a dual-chamber MFC was developed using soil-derived denitrifying consortia as the cathodic biocatalyst and contaminated Yamuna River water as a source of exoelectrogenic bacteria at the anode. Reactor performance was evaluated under closed-circuit conditions by varying anodic chemical oxygen demand (COD) and cathodic nitrate concentrations (1–4 g/L). The system performance was assessed based on electricity generation, substrate removal, and denitrification efficiency. An optimal anodic COD concentration of 3 g/L produced the highest power density (275.13 ± 18 mW/m³) and current density (3450 ± 19 mA/m³), with a COD removal efficiency of 95.65 ± 2.8%. Similarly, a cathodic nitrate concentration of 3 g/L achieved maximum nitrate removal (96.0 ± 1.5%) with a power density of 246.1 ± 16 mW/m³. Cyclic voltammetry revealed enhanced electrochemical activity under optimized conditions. Metagenomic analysis indicated the enrichment of electroactive genera such as Enterococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Stutzerimonas at the anode, while denitrifying genera including Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Proteiniphilum dominated the cathode, confirming efficient bioelectrochemical denitrification and power generation.
Yamuna River wastewater was used to enrich exoelectrogenic bacteria for MFC operation.
Optimal COD and nitrate (3 g/L) maximized power generation and pollutant removal.
Maximum power density of 275.13 mW/m³ achieved under optimized conditions.
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Funding
ANRF(ANRF, Sanction No. ANRF/ECRG/2024/004398/LS)
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