Technoeconomic Assessment of Microbial Fuel Cell for Wastewater Treatment: Bangladesh Perspective

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems that transform organic pollutants in wastewater into electricity while simultaneously treating the water. This study conducts a site-specific technoeconomic and environmental evaluation of a 1,000 m³/day double-chamber microbial fuel cell system for industrial wastewater treatment in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. We integrate literature-based performance indicators (Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) elimination, Coulombic efficiency, energy recovery) with locally obtained cost and tariff data to model a 15-year project at a 10% discount rate. Financial indicators Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return 9IRR), deferred payback and environmental metrics (CO₂ reduction and sludge minimization) are assessed for a baseline scenario and across sensitivity ranges for discount rate, wastewater flow, electrode lifespan, and energy tariff. Under baseline assumptions, the system is expected to produce approximately 3.72×10⁶ kWh annually, with a net present value of approximately Tk 1.03×10⁸, an internal rate of return of approximately 18.3%, and a discounted payback period of around 7 years. Sensitivity analysis indicates that NPV is predominantly influenced by the discount rate and flow rate, whereas environmental benefits correlate with COD removal efficiency. We address critical uncertainties (scale-up losses, electrode longevity, cost projections) and advocate for focused pilot trials and vendor estimates to substantiate assumptions for implementation in Bangladesh.