International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, cilt.116, ss.410-419, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
This study addresses the environmental and energy challenges posed by olive oil mill wastewater (OOMWW), a byproduct of olive oil production characterized by high organic content and pollutant levels. A novel soil-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) was utilized for the first time for the dual purpose of OOMWW treatment and electricity generation. Experimental trials most effective biomixture compositions and operational parameters, achieving significant results. Over 32 days, the system demonstrated an impressive chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 98.13%, reducing COD levels from 19,000 mg/L to 355 mg/L, while the power density increased from 52.12 mW/m2 to a peak of 498.26 mW/m2. These outcomes highlight the potential of soil-based MFCs in converting waste into energy, aligning with sustainable waste-to-energy (W2E) goals. However, the research also underscores the applications, which is a task of paramount importance. This emphasis on scalability and efficiency is a key direction for future research and application. This research paves the way for innovative applications in wastewater management and bioenergy production, offering a practical step toward sustainable development and energy security.