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Toward Sustainability: Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Analysis of Microbial Fuel Cells Using Carrot Pulp

Author

Listed:
  • Segundo Jonathan Rojas-Flores

    (Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, Lima 15831, Peru)

  • Renny Nazario-Naveda

    (Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, Lima 15831, Peru)

  • Santiago M. Benites

    (Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, Lima 15831, Peru)

  • Daniel Delfin-Narciso

    (Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Aplicadas y Nuevas Tecnologías, Universidad Privada del Norte, Trujillo 13011, Peru)

  • Moisés Gallozzo Cardenas

    (Departamento de Ciencias, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Trujillo 13011, Peru)

Abstract

Limited access to electricity and high levels of CO 2 emissions—over 35 billion metric tons in recent years—highlight the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in rural areas dependent on polluting fuels. To address this challenge, three single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with carbon anodes and zinc cathodes were designed and operated for 35 days in a closed circuit. Voltage, current, pH, conductivity, ORP, and COD were monitored. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy (range 4000–400 cm −1 ) was applied to identify structural changes, and polarization curves were constructed to estimate internal resistance. The main FTIR peaks were observed at 1027, 1636, 3237, and 3374 cm −1 , indicating the degradation of polysaccharides and hydroxyl groups. The maximum voltage reached was 0.961 ± 0.025 V, and the peak current was 3.052 ± 0.084 mA on day 16, coinciding with an optimal pH of 4.977 ± 0.058, a conductivity of 194.851 ± 2.847 mS/cm, and an ORP of 126.707 ± 6.958 mV. Connecting the three MFCs in series yielded a total voltage of 2.34 V. Taxonomic analysis of the anodic biofilm revealed a community dominated by Firmicutes (genus Lactobacillus : L. acidophilus , L. brevis , L. casei , L. delbrueckii , L. fermentum , L. helveticus , and L. plantarum ), along with Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria (electrogenic bacteria). This microbial synergy enhances electron transfer and validates the use of carrot waste as a renewable source of bioelectricity for low-power applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Segundo Jonathan Rojas-Flores & Renny Nazario-Naveda & Santiago M. Benites & Daniel Delfin-Narciso & Moisés Gallozzo Cardenas, 2025. "Toward Sustainability: Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Analysis of Microbial Fuel Cells Using Carrot Pulp," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9114-:d:1771277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shadman, Pegah & Shakeri, Alireza & Zinadini, Sirus, 2025. "Incorporating GO-CS-2-aminothiazole-SO3H nanoparticles into sulfonated PES for improved MFC performance in power generation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    2. Kebede, Abraham Alem & Kalogiannis, Theodoros & Van Mierlo, Joeri & Berecibar, Maitane, 2022. "A comprehensive review of stationary energy storage devices for large scale renewable energy sources grid integration," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
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