Fungi-based microbial fuel cells (MFCs): A sustainable solution for filter mud, a waste generated from Jaggery industry

Microbial fuel cells possess a lot of potential as an alternative source of clean energy that generates bioelectricity and has multiple possibilities in the optimization process, being their capabilities in terms of the usage of a variety of waste substrates, microorganisms, and various configurations. The potential of MFCs can be rationalized with In this study, the potential of isolated fungi, M. pseudolusitanicus, was evaluated for the generation of bioelectricity and bioremediation of filter mud in a single-chambered membrane-less MFC. The experimental studies were conducted in batch mode for up to 25 days. The maximum power density and current density obtained were then calculated to be 47.3 ± 0.8 mW/m² and 310.9 ± 2 mA/m², respectively. The results demonstrate the efficacy of fungal-based MFCs for the bioremediation of filter mud, with a 67.17 ± 0.71% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of fungal-MFCs as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for waste treatment and bioenergy generation.