미생물 연료전지의 전류 생산량 변화 측정과 생물활성탄 방출을 통한 부영양화 모니터링 및 영양염류 제거 시스템 제안

Proposal of Eutrophication Monitoring and Nutrient Removal System through Measuring Changes in Electric Current Production of Microbiol Fuel Cells and Releasing Biological Activated Carbon

전세계적인 부영양화가 점점 심화되는 추세에서 부영양화의 정도를 모니터링하고, 정화할 필요성은 점점 강조되고 있다. 이에 따라 본 연구는 하천 부영양화 문제해결을 위해 미생물 연료전지를 활용한 실시간 모니터링 및 영양염류 제거 시스템을 제작하고자 하였다. 미생물 연료전지를 통해 영양염류 농도 증가 시 전류 생산량 변화를 측정하고, 임계치 초과 시 Pseudomonas putida를 고정한 생물활성탄을 방출하여 영양염류를 흡착 및 분해하는 시스템을 제작했다. FT-IR을 통한 연료전지 침전물 분석으로 Shewanella putrefaciens가 영양염류 섭취를 통해 전류를 생산한다는 것을 확인하였고, 영양염류 농도가 높을수록 전류생산량이 증가해 2.93µA 에서 27.63µA로 변화했으며 영양염류 제거 시스템 가동 시 21.30µA로 감소하는 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구는수질오염을 모니터링하되, 오염이 심화되기 전에 미리하천의 영양염류 농도변화를 감지하고 생물활성탄을 통해 정화하는 새로운 부영양화 감시 시스템을 제안하였고, 연료전지에서 생산된 전류를 이용해 시스템을 가동하는 반영구적인 환경 관리 방안을 제시했다.

This study presents an innovative solution to the escalating issue of river eutrophication by combining real-time monitoring with nutrient removal using a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system. Eutrophication, often caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge, leads to the degradation of water quality and harm to aquatic ecosystems. The MFC system developed in this study measures changes in electrical current to track nutrient concentrations, offering continuous, real-time data. As nutrient levels rise, the system activates a purification mechanism using biological activated carbon immobilized with Pseudomonas putida, which helps to decompose and remove excess nutrients. FT-IR analysis confirmed that Shewanella putrefaciens generates current through nutrient uptake, with current production increasing from 2.93 µA to 27.63 µA as nutrient concentrations increase. Once the nutrient removal process is triggered, current levels decrease to 21.30 µA, indicating successful nutrient depletion and purification. The system's design is self-sustaining, powered entirely by electricity produced by the microbial fuel cell, which makes it energy-efficient and particularly suitable for regions with limited access to external power. This autonomous operation requires minimal human intervention, reducing operational costs and ensuring long-term, continuous monitoring and nutrient removal. By combining monitoring with active purification, the system not only detects changes in water quality but also serves as an early intervention tool to prevent eutrophication from worsening. Furthermore, the study suggests that this system could be applied to a range of freshwater environments, from small rivers to larger lakes, offering a scalable solution for eutrophication management. With its potential for real-time monitoring and sustainable nutrient removal, this system could play a key role in improving water quality, enhancing ecosystem health, and addressing long-term environmental challenges posed by nutrient pollution.