Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) demonstrate potential for wastewater treatment while concurrently generating renewable electricity. This investigation aimed to enhance current output by optimising the operational parameters of a dual-chamber MFC. The study utilized a household-constructed dual-chamber MFC with an agarose gel-based proton exchange membrane to enhance current generation in municipal wastewater treatment. The MFC effectively reduced the chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 291 mg/L to 134 mg/L, demonstrating substantial degradation of organic contaminants. An increase in total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) was observed, indicating material decomposition and ionization. The pH level decreased slightly from 7.7 to 7.3, presumably due to hydrogen ion movement during electrochemical processes. Through optimisation of wastewater volume and operational conditions, a peak current production of 1124 μA was achieved. Future studies should focus on refining operational parameters and examining the catalytic properties of the cathodic microbial community to enhance MFC performance and scalability. These findings highlight the dual chamber MFC’s potential as a sustainable solution for concurrent wastewater treatment and renewable energy production, establishing a foundation for scalable applications in environmental remediation and clean energy generation.
