Bioelectrochemical valorization of mango waste: a sustainable approach for renewable energy generation in microbial fuel cells

Improper disposal of mango waste is a widespread issue, with large quantities discarded along roadsides or in populated areas, leading to soil and groundwater contamination. This pollution poses significant risks to both human health and the environment. Additionally, millions of people in rural regions of developing countries lack access to electricity due to low household incomes and the high costs associated with extending power grids to remote areas. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential of using mango waste as a substrate in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to generate electricity over a 15-day period. Results indicate that the maximum voltage and current output reached 0.91 ± 0.42 V and 1.71 ± 0.11 mA, respectively, with the system achieving a pH of 4.89 ± 0.09 on the ninth day. During this period, the substrate exhibited an electrical conductivity of 191.36 ± 16.85 mS/cm and a redox potential of 90.66 ± 8.94 mV, along with a 71.97% reduction in chemical oxygen demand. The power density was recorded at 0.399 ± 0.018 mW/cm² for a current density of 0.434 mA/cm^2. These findings suggest that organic waste can serve as a viable source of renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting environmental sustainability. This innovative approach integrates waste remediation with energy production, offering a promising solution for addressing pollution from oil and other contaminants.