The efficiency of the microbial fuel cell reactor in biodegradation of methyl tertiary butyl ether and electricity generation from wastewater: Effects of co-substrate, surfactant, and membrane changes

This study highlights the promising potential of utilizing an MFC reactor equipped with Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes. This innovative and cost-effective approach has proven to be highly effective in addressing the challenge of treating methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in wastewater, while also offering the added benefit of electricity generation. Biodegradation efficiency and electricity generation were assessed in this study using co-substrates such as glucose (GLS) and sodium acetate (SAC), in addition to surfactants like sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The MTBE concentration ranged from 10 to 200 mg/L, and it was quantified in the samples through gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC–FID). To explore the structural characteristics of Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes, we conducted field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The maximum biodegradation efficiency of MTBE (%) in MFC reactors with Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes was found to be 93.3% and 89.8%, accompanied by maximum production voltages (mV) of 895 mV and 853 mV, respectively. This was achieved with the addition of SAC co-substrate and SDS surfactant. Notably, the addition of co-substrate had a more significant impact compared to the surfactant. Simultaneously adding both the co-substrate and surfactant had a substantial effect on both the biodegradation efficiency (%) of MTBE and the generated voltage. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the MFC reactor equipped with Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes is capable of effectively breaking down MTBE. However, due to its lower cost, the PVA/GA membrane may be considered a more economical choice. Therefore, the utilization of an MFC reactor featuring Nafion 117 and PVA/GA membranes holds great promise as an efficient approach for treating MTBE in wastewater, while concurrently generating electricity.