A single-chamber microbial fuel cell as an alternative biosensor for continuous and onsite determination of BOD in wastewater

Dinh Thi Thu Ha; Pham Ngoc Phat

doi:10.15625/2525-2518/19181

Author affiliations

Authors

Dinh Thi Thu Ha Hochiminh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, 236 Le Van Sy, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3661-4676
Pham Ngoc Phat Hochiminh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, 236 Le Van Sy, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0657-1205

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/19181

Keywords:

BOD, Single chamber microbial fuel cell, voltage, biosensors, wastewater

Abstract

The two main pollution parameters, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), are crucial factors in assessing water quality and pollution levels. Currently, COD can be measured using sensor devices, while BOD relies on the activity of microorganisms. Traditionally, the quantification of biologically oxidizable organic carbon involves measuring oxygen consumption over a five-day period, commonly known as the BOD₅ test. However, the BOD₅ test has several disadvantages, such as its time-consuming nature, unsuitability for process control, and the requirement for highly skilled samplers. It was hypothesized that the output of a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) with an air cathode could serve as an alternative method for measuring BOD. To validate this hypothesis, this study conducted some experiments using the model of SCMFC. When artificial wastewater, utilizing sodium acetate as fuel, was employed, a strong linear correlation (R² > 0.99) between the total charge transferred and BOD₅ concentration was confirmed. Additionally, the linear relationship was also investigated for real domestic wastewater. This relationship was also examined for real domestic wastewater, resulting in a combined correlation with an R² value exceeding 0.98. Until now, research on biosensors (particularly SCMFC-based biosensors) in Vietnam has been relatively new and not extensively conducted. The results of this study could provide a solid foundation for the development of continuous and onsite BOD sensors to monitor BOD concentrations in wastewater streams.

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