JPPPF (Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pendidikan Fisika)
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): JPPPF (Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pendidikan Fisika), Volume 12 Issue

Bio-electrochemical Characterization of Indigenous Bacteria from Tofu Wastewater in Dual-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells with HCl-Activated Carbon Anodes

Fahmi Fatkhomi (Science Education Study Program, Universitas Pancasakti Tegal)
Putut Marwoto (Doctoral Study Program in Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)
Sunyoto Eko Nugroho (Physics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia)
Surani Abu Bakar (Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Science & Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Tofu liquid waste is a high-content organic pollutant that has the potential to become a renewable energy source through Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology. This study aims to characterize the bio-electrochemical performance of indigenous bacteria from tofu waste in a Dual-Chamber MFC (DCMFC) system using recycled carbon anodes from spent batteries. The innovation of this research lies in the electrode activation through a combination of thermal and chemical treatments (32% HCl for 12 hours) to increase surface porosity and biocompatibility. The system utilized a 17 cm salt bridge with a 7% (w/v) agar and 15% (w/v) NaCl matrix. The results showed a highly consistent increase in Open Circuit Voltage (OCV), rising from 48.0 mV to a peak of 231.0 mV at the 31st hour. Linear regression analysis indicated an average growth rate of 4.81 mV/hour with a very high coefficient of determination ($R^2$) of 0.9066, indicating excellent stability in ionic and electrical conduction. Qualitatively, the formation of a macroscopic, wax-like biofilm was observed on the anode surface at the end of the observation period, providing physical validation for the surge in the system's electrical performance. This study proves that engineered recycled electrodes and the utilization of local indigenous bacteria are capable of generating stable and progressive electrical energy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jpppf

Publisher

Subject

Education Physics

Description

The Jurnal Penelitian & Pengembangan Pendidikan Fisika (JPPPF) is dedicated to all physics education practitioners. The coverage of JPPPF includes: experimental research, action research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and development research (model, media, and learning evaluation) ...