Microbial Carbon Capture Cell: Advanced Bio-electrochemical System for Wastewater Treatment, Electricity Generation and Algal Biomass Production

Increasing concerns for global climate change has prompted search for a sustainable, efficient and renewable technology that can produce energy from wastewater. Microbial carbon capture cell (MCC) is an advancement of microbial fuel cell (MFC) in which algal biomass provides the oxygen for cathodic reduction in the cathodic chamber. Proof of concept of ability of MCC for organic matter removal from wastewater in anodic chamber along with simultaneous electricity generation and carbon sequestration in the cathodic chamber without the need of any external energy input has already been demonstrated. Algae is used in MCCs to supply oxygen for cathodic reduction and harvested algae, with or without oil extraction, can be fed as an organic substrate for bacteria in anodic chamber as well as it can act as methanogen inhibitor. Algal species used, its concentration in cathodic chamber, characteristics of wastewater used as feed in anodic chamber and catholyte composition, operating conditions and basic configuration of MCC affect performance of this device. This chapter describes the potential use of algal biomass in wastewater treatment and power generation, when incorporated in an MCC. Factors governing the performance of MCC and its possible applications are also discussed.