144
72%, respectively. The integration of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) plants in
the integrated system through adsorption and filtration processes resulted in higher
wastewater treatment efficiency and power generation (31.88 mW/m
2
).
5.6 Other Variations
Photosynthetic MFC, based on plant photosynthesis, generates electrical energy
from organic matter synthesized by sunlight, by heterotrophs, or by photosynthetic
organisms [35]. Most of planted sediment MFCs used for real-field applications
contains aquatic plants to mimic the constructed wetland system for degradation of
contaminants [19]. Liu et al. [19] reported that position of anode across the depth of
sediment is important factor and planted sediment MFC did not improve the power
generation when roots of the plants are placed on electrode surface (Table 1). In the
concept of implementing MFC at rooftop of a building, green roof MFC under outdoor conditions produced lower power output of 88 mW/m
2
as compared to that in
control laboratory conditions (440 mW/m
2
) [36]. In a study of seven Sedum species
in green roof MFC, positive relationship between water content of plant growth
media and power output was reported by Tapia et al. [37], and it was concluded that
current and water gradually decrease over time at a similar rate after providing
irrigation.
6 Summary and Outlook
To harvest the solar energy, photovoltaic cells and plant MFC can provide the solution for trapping the renewable energy from the sun. However, PMFC offers sustainable and efficient approach for electricity generation and contaminant degradation
over photovoltaic cells. Such PMFC can be implemented at agricultural field without disturbing the tillage operation and reduced greenhouse gas emission from
paddy field along with in situ electric supply for operating different electronic sensors [38]. As PMFC mimics the natural system, hence real-field application of such
MFC can be possible with only cost of electrode assembly and electronic circuit
system required and thus reduces the cost of membrane, reactor assembly, collectors, and mediators as required in typical MFC. Apart from the low cost, it also
offers ease in design and fabrication, no technical assistance required, and minimal
carbon dioxide and methane emission with cost-effective solution for wastewater
treatment [39]. A major challenge in PMFC is the low power production which can
be overcome by integrating the system with conventional wastewater treatment system [40].
D. A. Jadhav et al.
72%, respectively. The integration of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) plants in
the integrated system through adsorption and filtration processes resulted in higher
wastewater treatment efficiency and power generation (31.88 mW/m
2
).
5.6 Other Variations
Photosynthetic MFC, based on plant photosynthesis, generates electrical energy
from organic matter synthesized by sunlight, by heterotrophs, or by photosynthetic
organisms [35]. Most of planted sediment MFCs used for real-field applications
contains aquatic plants to mimic the constructed wetland system for degradation of
contaminants [19]. Liu et al. [19] reported that position of anode across the depth of
sediment is important factor and planted sediment MFC did not improve the power
generation when roots of the plants are placed on electrode surface (Table 1). In the
concept of implementing MFC at rooftop of a building, green roof MFC under outdoor conditions produced lower power output of 88 mW/m
2
as compared to that in
control laboratory conditions (440 mW/m
2
) [36]. In a study of seven Sedum species
in green roof MFC, positive relationship between water content of plant growth
media and power output was reported by Tapia et al. [37], and it was concluded that
current and water gradually decrease over time at a similar rate after providing
irrigation.
6 Summary and Outlook
To harvest the solar energy, photovoltaic cells and plant MFC can provide the solution for trapping the renewable energy from the sun. However, PMFC offers sustainable and efficient approach for electricity generation and contaminant degradation
over photovoltaic cells. Such PMFC can be implemented at agricultural field without disturbing the tillage operation and reduced greenhouse gas emission from
paddy field along with in situ electric supply for operating different electronic sensors [38]. As PMFC mimics the natural system, hence real-field application of such
MFC can be possible with only cost of electrode assembly and electronic circuit
system required and thus reduces the cost of membrane, reactor assembly, collectors, and mediators as required in typical MFC. Apart from the low cost, it also
offers ease in design and fabrication, no technical assistance required, and minimal
carbon dioxide and methane emission with cost-effective solution for wastewater
treatment [39]. A major challenge in PMFC is the low power production which can
be overcome by integrating the system with conventional wastewater treatment system [40].
D. A. Jadhav et al.