Research Information System
Process Safety and Environmental Protection, vol.202, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study presents a novel three-chamber hybrid bioreactor designed for the simultaneous production of biohydrogen, bioelectricity, and wastewater treatment using carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose, and maple syrup) as primary substrates. The system integrates microbial electrolysis cells, microbial fuel cells, and conventional electrolysis chambers, each separated by cation exchange membranes. Cow manure is used as the inoculum, while domestic wastewater is utilized as the electrolyte. The experimental setup includes four distinct phases: (i) voltage testing in the microbial electrolysis chamber (1.0–2.0 V), (ii) sodium chloride concentration testing in the conventional electrolysis chamber (0–5 g/L), (iii) hybrid operation with glucose, sucrose, and maple syrup, and (iv) electrochemical testing of the microbial fuel cell. At 1.25 V, the microbial electrolysis chamber produces 230 ppm of hydrogen, while the conventional chamber generates over 900 ppm at 2 g/L sodium chloride. The microbial fuel cell yields 77 mV, with open circuit voltages ranging from 0.50 to 0.59 V. The chemical oxygen demand removal is 64.92 %, and the system's energy and exergy efficiencies reach 7.3 % and 20.2 %, respectively. An optimal performance is obtained with glucose at 1–2 g/L. These findings demonstrate the potential of utilizing biological carbohydrates in hybrid systems for sustainable bioenergy production and wastewater remediation.