Energy from Wastewater 

Presenter

Bonnie Mccarter

Campus

Springfield Technical Community College

Sponsor

Reena Randhir, Department of Biology, Springfield Technical Community College

Schedule

Session 4, 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A53, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 3 (A41-A60) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Wastewater treatment plants have the immense potential to make energy. The objective of my research is to study innovative methods that can convert waste water to clean energy. A systematic literature review of scientific journals and government databases was used to accomplish this. This research shows four main innovative technologies for converting wastewater into clean energy. Anaerobic fermentation of organic matter in the wastewater to biogas can be used as fuel in engines or to make electricity. The microbial fuel cells use specific bacteria to convert organic waste in the wastewater to electricity. The thermal treatment method is the burning of the solid wastes in the waste water to create heat which can be used for heating homes or making electricity. Algal bioreactors use certain photosynthetic microorganisms such as algae that perform photosynthesis to make biomass. This biomass can then be used as biofuels or biogas. However, all these methods are effective only if they are economical and are sustainable. Continued exploration of novel technologies are needed in transforming wastewater into a valuable resource for clean energy production in a sustainable manner.

Keywords

Pathway , Water , Sector

Research Area

Biological Organisms

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