ABSTRACT
Generation of bioelectricity in microbial fuel cells (MFC) using the municipal solid waste has been rarely reported in literature. The dumping of unsegregated municipal wastes in and around is creating an unhygienic environment, leading to an increase in the size and numbers of landfills. Moisture content for most of the municipal solid wastes varies from 15 to 40%, depending on the composition of the wastes and the humidity and weather conditions. Municipal solid waste usually contains varieties of different complex substrates; a synergistic consortium of hydrolytic and fermentative microorganisms is usually needed to break down such wastes. Generation of electricity from municipal solid waste-based microbial fuel cell has the advantage of being a self-sustaining technology, as the microorganisms can break down a range of organic waste. The nature and composition of wastes in MFCs will affect electricity production by virtue of relative proportions of different components present, the moisture content, and the specific nature of the biodegradable element.
