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Study of the parameters for optimisation of the design and performance of Bio-electrochemical systems for energy/hydrogen generation and resource recovery

Almatouq, Abdullah 2017. Study of the parameters for optimisation of the design and performance of Bio-electrochemical systems for energy/hydrogen generation and resource recovery. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.
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Abstract

This study focused on the exploration, assessment and experimental investigation of bio-electrochemical systems (BES) for concurrent phosphorus (P) recovery and energy generation/hydrogen (H2) production. The main aim was to study and understand the parameters for optimisation of the design and the performance of BESs for concurrent phosphorus recovery and energy generation/hydrogen production. In total, four dual chamber bio-electrochemical systems (Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) and Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs)) were used to investigate the impacts of key design and operational conditions on BES performance. P was precipitated successfully as struvite in both MFCs and MECs. The MFCs and MECs achieved a maximum P precipitation efficiency of 90% and 95% with a maximum columbic efficiency of 10% and 51% respectively. The MFCs and MECs achieved an average of 80 % and 70 % COD removal efficiency respectively, which confirms the ability of these systems to be used in wastewater treatment. Deterioration in both reactors occurred due to P precipitation on the cathode surface and the membrane. The three operational parameters (influent COD, cathode aeration flow rate, and external resistance) were found to have significant impacts on MFC performance and P recovery. In addition, applied voltage and influent COD had significant effects on MEC performance and P recovery. Results were supported through statistical analysis and optimisation modelling using full factorial design, central composite design, and response surface methodology. Generally, results have shown that MFCs and MECs have the potential to concurrently recover P, treat wastewater, and generate electricity/produce H2. Further research is needed to enhance the performance of MFCs for energy generation and MECs for H2 production in addition to P recovery and minimising scaling on electrodes. The results of this study increase the understanding of P recovery mechanisms in MFCs and MECs and can contribute to future BES research. Moreover, the results will help in selecting the optimum operational parameters of BESs depending on the applications and process requirements. Applying BESs in wastewater treatment plants will reduce energy consumption and, at the same time, find an alternative source of P.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Date Type: Completion
Status: Unpublished
Schools: Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords: Bio-Electrochemical System; Microbial Fuel Cell; Microbial Electrolysis Cell; Phosphorus Recovery; Hydrogen Production; Struvite.
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 9 May 2017
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2021 09:50
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/100405

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