Produção de bioeletricidade a partir do efluente de altoforno por células de combustível microbianas

Abstract

The utilization of non-renewable energy sources for power generation, the consequent emission of greenhouse gases, the water scarcity and the large volume of wastewater have had a significant impact on the environment in recent decades. The steel industry, in particular, is recognized as one of the most energy-intensive industries and a generator of complex wastewater, requiring technological innovations and public policies to encourage decarbonization. In this context, the development of bioelectrochemical systems such as Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) has gained visibility due to its ability to generate electricity in conjunction with waste treatment, allowing an economical and sustainable integration with industrial processes. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) in the treatment of an effluent from the Blast Furnace (AF) process in the steel industry, while simultaneously generating energy from two reactors, MFC-1 and MFC-2, developed at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). The experiments lasted six months each, with a gradual increase in the percentage of AF effluent in each MFC. Electrochemical and chemical oxygen demand (DQO) tests were performed monthly. The results demonstrated that, despite the complex components of the effluent, both cells achieved stable voltage values up to 60% effluent usage (between 200 and 300 mV) and excellent organic matter removal values, with COD values exceeding 80% at AF concentrations up to 40%, demonstrating the viability of the technology for electrical efficiency and wastewater treatment.