Use of Mine Tailings as a Substrate in Microbial Fuel Cells for Electric Energy Generation

Abstract

In order to find an alternative for the reuse of mining effluents and contribute with eco-friendly technologies that cover the high demand for energy, this research evaluated the use of mine tailings as a substrate for the generation of electrical energy through microbial fuel cells. (MFC). A single chamber microbial fuel cell with air cathode was constructed, using a copper foil as anode electrode and a graphite plate as cathode. For the characterization of the cells, physicochemical parameters such as voltage, electric current, pH, turbidity and electrical conductivity were measured for 30 days and at room temperature (18 ± 2.2 ºC). The voltage, current and turbidity, reached peak values of 0.65 ± 0.02 V, 1.83 ± 0.04 mA and 981.5 ± 13.44 NTU respectively, in addition the mine tailings operated at an acid pH and conductivity values greater than 146 mS/cm. These results demonstrated that it is possible to use mining tailings as a substrate in microbial fuel cells for sustainable electric power generation.