Valorization of Cassava Peel Waste for Sustainable Electricity Generation in a Bacillus subtilis-Inoculated Double-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell

Authors

  • A. Ibrahim Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria Author
  • A. Suleiman School of Applied Sciences, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State, Nigeria; Directorate of Research and Innovation, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Nigeria; Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria Author
  • M. Ladidi Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria Author
  • B. Ali Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria Author
  • A. Orahachi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • D. Shehu Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria Author
  • H. Salihu School of Applied Sciences, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State, Nigeria Author
  • A. Sanni Department of Computer Engineering Technology, School of Engineering Technology, Kogi State Polytechnic, Kogi State, Nigeria Author
  • S. Mohammed Department of Biology/Microbiology/Biotechnology, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • M. Idris idrismustapha710@gmail.com Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32523/ejpfm.2026100303

Keywords:

Bacillus subtilis, microbial fuel cell, cassava peel, bioelectricity, electrogenic bacteria, power density

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide a sustainable approach for simultaneous waste valorization and bioelectricity production through the metabolic activities of electrogenic microorganisms. This study evaluated bioelectricity generation from cassava peel substrate inoculated with Bacillus subtilis using different substrate concentrations (7.5–30 g) over a 14-day period. Bacillus subtilis functions as an electrogen by oxidizing organic substrates and transferring electrons generated during metabolism to the anode surface through extracellular electron transfer mechanisms, thereby facilitating current generation. Morphological characterization of the isolate showed creamy white colonies with irregular margins, rod-shaped Gram-positive cells occurring singly or in chains, while biochemical tests revealed positive reactions for catalase, citrate utilization, starch hydrolysis, and motility, confirming the identity of Bacillus subtilis. Voltage output varied with substrate concentration, with peak voltages of 0.49 V, 0.089 V, 0.70 V, and 0.73 V recorded for 7.5 g, 15 g, 22.5 g, and 30 g treatments respectively. Maximum power outputs were 0.0952 W (7.5 g) and 0.0182 W (22.5 g), while current generation reached 0.28 A and 0.20 A respectively. Power density increased progressively, reaching 17.856 W/m2 at the highest substrate concentration, indicating enhanced electrochemical performance with increasing cassava peel loading.

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Published

2026-09-27

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): Volume 10, Number 3 (2026)

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Articles

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How to Cite

(1)
Ibrahim, A.; Suleiman, A.; Ladidi, M.; Ali, B.; Orahachi, A.; Shehu, D.; Salihu, H.; Sanni, A.; Mohammed, S.; Idris, M. Valorization of Cassava Peel Waste for Sustainable Electricity Generation in a Bacillus Subtilis-Inoculated Double-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell. Eur. J. Phys. Funct. Mater. 2026, 10 (3), 227-250. https://doi.org/10.32523/ejpfm.2026100303.