Comparing performance of microbial desalination cell using polymeric membrane with ceramic ion exchange membranes

Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC) is a bioelectrochemical system that simultaneously treats wastewater, desalinate saline water, and generates energy. In the present study, a comparative performance evaluation of three-chamber MDCs using a polymeric membrane (ULTREX® CMH-PES, PMDC) and a ceramic membrane (CMDC) was made for Chemical oxygen Demand (COD) removal efficiency, desalination efficiency, Power output and internal resistance. The result obtained shows the potential of ceramic low-cost Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) and Cation Exchange Membrane (CEM) for desalination applications.