An algal assisted constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell integrated with sand filter for efficient wastewater treatment and electricity production

Abstract

In this study we report on a three-stage design of algal assisted constructed wetland -microbial fuel cell incorporated sand filter for efficient treatment of wastewater and bioelectricity generation, simulating a core of it. It aims for the complete removal of organic matter and other inorganic pollutants such as NO3-, NH4+ and PO43-. The conductive material equipped anode region of constructed wetland (CW) performed better for organic removal, and the system efficiently removed COD up to 96.37 +/- 2.6%. The algal biomass passively aerated the cathode region and resulted in efficient removal of 85.14 +/- 10.73% of NH4+ and 69.03 +/- 10.14% of PO43-. The additional sand filter provided anaerobic situation favorable for removal of NO3- up to 68.41 +/- 7.63%. The maximum power and current densities achieved in the system were 33.14 mW m(-3) and 235.0 mA m(-3), respectively. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.