ANALYSIS OF TOFU LIQUID WASTE AND RICE WASHING WATER COMBINATION IN MICROBIAL FUEL CELL (MFC) SYSTEM USINGTAGUCHI EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Abstract

Tofu production generates residue in the form of liquid sewage, which is frequently
disposed of in sewers. This has the potential to pollute streams and emit a distinct
stench that may disturb the neighboring population. Tofu liquid waste can be
converted into electrical energy using a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology. MFC
uses the metabolic activity of microorganisms to transform organic chemicals in the
substrate into electrical energy. This study will use Taguchi experimental design to
provide recommendations for the optimal composition of the substrate usage ratio,
incubation period, and addition of bioactivators, as well as their effect on the
electrical power produced in MFC system using a combination of tofu liquid waste
and rice washing water as the substrate. According to the findings of the research,
the parameter with the greatest influence is incubation period (74.81%), followed by
addition of bioactivator (19.45%), and substrate ratio (5.46%). The optimal
composition is recommended to be incubated for one day with a 5% bioactivator
addition and an 80:20 substrate ratio of tofu liquid waste and rice washing water.