Executive Summary : | Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) may be called as bio-electro-chemical process, produces bioelectricity using the electrons produced because of reactions catalysed by bacteria in oxidizing the organic matter present in wastewater. For sustainable and continuous output from MFCs, it requires continuous release of electron (from the anode compartment) and utilization of the same in the cathode compartment. For efficient power generation, ideal design for microbial fuel cell is still under investigation, with electrode type, electrode surface area, type of membranes to be uses for the exchange of proton etc., are being investigated by various researcher to enhance the performance. In Assam under the ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission Individual Household latrins (IHL) are installed in the rural areas, based on the twin pit seal toilet. The main components of such toilets are - two pits used alternately, a pan, water seal or trap, squatting platform, junction chamber and a superstructure. The household in rural Assam also has poultry, piggery and cow farms in their backyards and the waste from such farms are normally disposed of into the nearby lakes or ponds, which not only pollutes the waterbody but also leads to the process of Eutrophication. The present study aims to generate employable bio electricity based on the principle of Microbial fuel cell using these septic tanks cum pits installed under Swachh Bharat Mission as an anode compartment, with appropriate modification in the design. The biodegradable waste generated in and around the household i.e., from bathroom, kitchen, poultry, piggery and cow farms will be directed into the pit to increase the substrate load and bacterial concentration with an aim to produce bio electricity to illuminate at least 2 LEDs for 6 hours at continuous and sustainable basis. Also, the study aims at utilizing the methane gas generated in the process because of oxidation of wastes by the bacterial activity to be used as a biofuel. Detailed Laboratory Experiments will be carried to develop understanding of the microbial fuel cell in terms of various operating conditions. Further statistical model based on experimental results will be established between various electrical parameters and reactor parameters. The model will optimize all the design parameters for maximum power output for the modified installed pits. Based on the Mathematical model a laboratory prototype will be constructed, and the performance will be validated under controlled experimental conditions for bio electricity and biofuel generation. Storage techniques for generated electricity and biogas for end user will also be explored. The results of the present study can be considered representative of an approach that tackles the problem of electricity in rural Assam to some extent on sustainable and continuous basis. |