Bioelectrogenesis from ceramic membrane-based algal-microbial fuel cells treating dairy industry wastewater

[Display omitted] •Dairy wastewater is used as substrate in ceramic MFC with algal biocathode.•Recycled plastic, clayware membrane, and algal biomass constitute a low-cost A-MFC.•Algal photosynthesis driven oxygenation in cathodic chamber enhance power production.•Wastewater treatment efficiency of A-MFC. Algal-microbial fuel cells (A-MFC) are an obligatory paradigm shift to fulfil the water and energy crisis of the present era. The present study investigates the performance of ceramic membrane-based A-MFC treating dairy industry wastewater. Discarded media bottles were used as chassis of dual-chambered A-MFCs. Graphite felt reinforced with stainless steel mesh is used as electrodes. Scenedesmus dimorphus was inoculated in the cathodic chamber while the pre-treated anaerobic sludge with real-time dairy industry wastewater was supplemented in the anode. The maximum working voltage of 285.70 ± 0.45 mV (across 720 Ω) was achieved in A-MFC. A polarization study was conducted and A-MFC achieved a maximum power density (PD) of 0.38 W m−3, whereas MFC with mechanical aeration and MFC without aeration observed 0.31 W m−3, and 0.28 W m−3 respectively. Algal growth obtained a maximum biomass concentration of 0.81 ± 0.02 mg L−1. The COD removal of 72% was attained in real-time dairy wastewater. This study is an attempt to utilize microalgae and real-time dairy wastewater to construct the A-MFCs that can be promoted as a sustainable low-cost alternative to endure the needs of future generations facing water and energy shortages.