Harnessing Indigenous Electrogens From Household Wastewater for Bioelectricity Generation and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Developing countries such as Nigeria face significant challenges in providing stable electricity, with heavy reliance on fossil fuels and frequent power shortages. In this context, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) present a promising solution for decentralized, sustainable energy generation using wastewater as a resource. This study investigates the electrochemical performance of indigenous electrogens isolated from household wastewater in MFC applications. The novel strains were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae CUAB‐MS, Priestia endophytica CUAB‐NA, and Bacillus sp. CUAB‐EY. Bacillus sp. CUAB‐EY achieved a maximum voltage of 0.91 V, a power density of 1148 mW/m 2 , and a current density of 2872 mA/m 2 , demonstrating strong potential for bioelectricity generation. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results revealed the highest anodic currents in strain CUAB‐EY, indicating efficient electron transfer between the bacterial biofilm and the electrode surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of strain CUAB‐EY showed the lowest internal resistance and charge‐transfer resistance among the isolates, confirming the strain's robust electrochemical behavior. Furthermore, strain CUAB‐EY recorded significant pollutant removal from wastewater. The novelty of this research lies in the isolation of indigenous electrogenic bacteria from household wastewater, a resource often overlooked, and the demonstration of their potential for both energy production and wastewater remediation.