Application of biofuel cells in state assessment of activated sludge from treatment plants

The authors investigate the sludge index, dehydrogenase activity and elimination rate for glucose and ammonium ions in activated sludge obtained from urban sewage in treatment plants in the city of Irkutsk to determine the relationship between the factors and the ability to generate an electric current in biofuel cells (BFC). A two-chamber BFC design was used to examine the electrogenic activity of sludge. BFC chambers were separated by a MF-4SK (Plastpolymer CJSC, St. Petersburg) proton-exchange membrane. Sludge sampling was carried out using a sterile syringe inserted through a specially-designed rubber plug in the side of the anode chamber. The proposed cell modification provides sampling or substrate and bioagent dosing without disturbing anaerobic conditions in the anolyte. The Ural T-22R A carbon fabric (SvetlogorskKhimvolokno OJSC, Republic of Belarus) material was used for the electrodes in the BFC under study. Activated sludge was subjected to heat treatment for 5, 10 and 15 min at 80 °С. Inactivation was additionally performed by autoclaving at 1 atm for 30 min (120 °С). The sludge index was determined by the standard method for calculating the volume and weight ratio of sludge. The sludge dehydrogenase activity was evaluated by the reduction of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. The dynamics of sludge elimination for glucose (by the reduction of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) and ammonium (by Nessler's reagent) was studied using photometric methods. As a result, sludge heating and autoclave inactivation negatively affected the electrical parameters of sludge-based BFC and the sludge elimination rate for glucose and ammonium nitrogen. The electrogenic activity in BFC was determined for sludge sampled from aerotanks having varying sludge index and dehydrogenase activity values. A direct relationship between the studied parameters is indicated, providing for the application of biofuel cells for the rapid assessment of the physiological state and efficiency of activated sludge.

biofuel cells, activated sludge, treatment facilities, electrogenic activity, bioagent, sludge state assessment

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