The impact of increasing organic loading in two phase digestion of food waste

This paper examines the impact of increasing organic loading in a two phase anaerobic digestion system treating commercial food waste. The first phase is a series of sequentially fed leach bed reactors (LBRs). The second phase is an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB). Leachate from the leach beds, form the influent to the UASB. Effluent from the UASB is re-circulated over the leach beds. Flow rates corresponded to 1 volume of leachate per effective LBR volume per day. The theoretical organic loading rate (OLR) of the UASB is based on the conversion of volatile solids (VS) in the LBR to chemical oxygen demand (COD). The experiment was set up such that the theoretical OLR would rise from 7.1 to 8.8 to 11.8 kg COD m⁻³ day⁻¹.The system operated effectively at the lowest organic loading rate producing 384 L CH₄ kg VS⁻¹ which corresponded to 72% of the value obtained in a BMP test. COD conversion efficiency was recorded at 75%. The accumulation of COD over the life of the experiment led to a situation whereby the volumetric OLR (product of COD concentration in the leachate by the flow rate) was over twice the theoretical OLR at the end of the experiment (24.3 kg VS m⁻³ day⁻¹ versus 11.8 kg VS m⁻³ day⁻¹). At the highest loading rate total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) reached levels of 4500 mg L⁻¹ with pH levels of 8.15. This resulted in significant reduction of methane production.     

Implementation of an UASB anaerobic digester at bagasse-based pulp and paper industry

Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was installed to replace the conventional anaerobic lagoon treating bagasse wash wastewater from agro-based pulp and paper mill, to generate bio-energy and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plant was designed to treat 12 ML d⁻¹ of wastewater having two 5 ML capacity reactors, 5.75 kg COD m⁻³ d⁻¹ organic loading rate and 20 h hydraulic retention time. In the plant 80–85% COD reduction was achieved with biogas production factor of 520 L kg⁻¹ COD reduced. In 11 months 4.4 million m³ of biogas was generated from bagasse wash wastewater utilizing UASB process. Utilization of the biogas in the Lime Kiln saved 2.14 ML of furnace oil in 9 months. Besides significant economic benefits, furnace oil saving reduced 6.4 Gg CO₂ emission from fossil fuel and conversion of the anaerobic lagoon into anaerobic reactor reduced 2.1 Gg methane emission which is equal to 43.8 Gg of CO₂.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of cyanide in aqueous titanium dioxide suspensions: Effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetate

The kinetics of the photocatalytic oxidation of cyanide in aqueous TiO₂ suspensions was investigated as a function of catalyst loading (0.1–5.0 g l^?1), air-flow rate (0.2–1.1 l min^?1), and the concentration of ethylenediaminetetraacetate, EDTA (0.4–40 mM) at pH 13.0. The cyanide oxidation rate did not vary with the TiO₂ loading while a slight increase in the degradation rate with an increase in the air-flow rate was found. Cyanate (NCO^?) was the only product of the cyanide decomposition. The effect of EDTA on the photocatalytic oxidation of cyanide was examined at different molar ratios of EDTA to cyanide (0.1–10.5) by keeping the initial cyanide concentration at 3.85 mM. EDTA retarded the photocatalytic oxidation of cyanide and the decrease in the oxidation rate was not proportional to the molar ratio of EDTA to cyanide. The first-order rate constant, k (min^?1) for the oxidation of cyanide in the presence of EDTA may be expressed as k = 3.38 × 10^?3 × ([EDTA]/[CN^?])^?0.23. A mechanism of the oxidation of cyanide by a photocatalytic process in absence and presence of EDTA is presented.     

Low temperature anaerobic digestion of mixtures of llama,cow and sheep manure for improved methane production

Biogas production in anaerobic digestion in farm-scale units is typically performed under mesophilic conditions when used for producing domestic fuel and stabilizing animal waste for the use of digested manure as a fertilizer. Previous studies on the digestion of llama and cow manure have shown the feasibility of producing biogas under altiplano conditions (low pressure and low temperature) and of llama manure as a promising feedstock. The present study concerns the utilization of various mixtures of feedstocks from the Bolivian altiplano under low temperature conditions (18–25 °C). Laboratory scale experiments were performed on the digestion of mixtures of llama, sheep and cow manure in a semi-continuous process using ten 2-L stainless steel digesters to determine the effects of organic loading rate (OLR) and the feed composition. The semi-continuous operation of mixture of llama–cow–sheep manure proved to be a reliable system, which could be operated with good stability. The results suggest that in a system digesting a mixture of llama-cow-sheep manure at low temperature (18–25 °C) the maximum OLR value is between 4 and 6 kg VS m³ d^?1. The methane yields obtained in the mixture experiments were in the range 0.07–0.14 m³ kg^?1 VS added, with a methane concentration in the gas of between 47 and 55%.     

Kinetic study of thermophilic anaerobic digestion of solid wastes from potato processing

Anaerobic treatment of solid wastes from potato processing was studied in completely stirred tank reactors (CSTR) at 55 °C. Special attention was paid to the effect of increased organic loading rate (OLR) on the biogas yield in long-term experiments. Both biogas yield and CH₄ in the biogas decreased with the increase in OLR. For OLR in the range of 0.8 gl⁻¹ d⁻¹–3.4 gl⁻¹ d⁻¹, biogas yield and CH₄ obtained were 0.85 l g⁻¹–0.65 l g⁻¹ and 58%–50%, respectively. Biogas yield y as a function of maximum biogas yield y_m, reaction rate constant k and HRT are described on the basis of a mass balance in a CSTR and a first order kinetic. The value of y_m can be obtained from curve fitting or a simple batch test and k results from plotting y/(y_m−y) against 1/OLR from long-term experiments. In the present study values for y_m and k were obtained as 0.88 l g⁻¹ and 0.089 d⁻¹, respectively. The simple model equations can apply for dimensioning completely stirred tank reactors (CSTR) digesting organic wastes from food processing industries, animal waste slurries or biogas crops.     

Canteen based composite food waste as potential anodic fuel for bioelectricity generation in single chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC): Bio-electrochemical evaluation under increasing substrate loading condition

Canteen based composite food waste, which is rich in organic constituents was evaluated as anodic fuel (substrate) in single chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC; mediator less; non-catalyzed graphite electrodes; open-air cathode) to harness electrical energy via anaerobic treatment. The performance of MFC was evaluated with anaerobic consortia as anodic biocatalyst under various increasing organic loading rates (OLR1, 1.01 kg COD/m³-day; OLR2, 1.74 kg COD/m³-day; OLR3, 2.61 kg COD/m³-day). The experimental results illustrated the feasibility of bioelectricity generation from food waste along with treatment but depend on the applied organic load. The maximum power output was observed at OLR2 (295 mV; 390 mA/m²), followed by OLR3 (250 mV; 311 mA/m²) and OLR1 (188 mV; 211 mA/m²). The variation in substrate degradation has also showed a relation with organic load applied (OLR1, 44.28% (0.47 kg COD/m³-day); OLR2, 64.83% (1.13 kg COD/m³-day); OLR3, 46.28% (1.39 kg COD/m³-day)). The increase in loading from OLR1 to OLR2, the catalytic ability of biocatalyst increased from 7.5 mA (24 h) to 11.22 mA (24 h) along with the increase in power generation from 39.38 mW/m² to 107.89 mW/m². At the higher OLR (OLR3), the bioelectrocatalytic current decreased to 5.3 mA (24 h) along with decrement in power to 78.92 mW/m². The optimum organic load (OLR2) showed maximal catalytic activity and power output. Fuel cell behavior with respect to polarization, anode potential and bio-electrochemical behavior supported the higher performance of MFC at OLR2. Specific power yield was also observed to be higher at OLR2 (0.320 W/kg COD_R) indicating the combined process efficiency. Volatile fatty acids generation and pH profiles also correlated well with the observed results.     

Energy and exergy analyses of OMW solar drying process

The energy and exergy analyses of the drying process of olive mill wastewater (OMW) using an indirect type natural convection solar dryer are presented. Olive mill wastewater gets sufficiently dried at temperatures between 34 °C and 52 °C. During the experimental process, air relative humidity did not exceed 58%, and solar radiation ranged from 227 W/m² to 825 W/m². Drying air mass flow was maintained within the interval 0.036–0.042 kg/s. Under these experimental conditions, 2 days were needed to reduce the moisture content to approximately one-third of the original value, in particular from 3.153 g_water/g_{dry matter} down to 1.000 g_water/g_{dry matter}.Using the first law of thermodynamics, energy analysis was carried out to estimate the amounts of energy gained from solar air heater and the ratio of energy utilization of the drying chamber. Also, applying the second law, exergy analysis was developed to determine the type and magnitude of exergy losses during the solar drying process. It was found that exergy losses took place mainly during the second day, when the available energy was less used. The exergy losses varied from 0 kJ/kg to 0.125 kJ/kg for the first day, and between 0 kJ/kg and 0.168 kJ/kg for the second. The exergetic efficiencies of the drying chamber decreased as inlet temperature was increased, provided that exergy losses became more significant. In particular, they ranged from 53.24% to 100% during the first day, and from 34.40% to 100% during the second.     

Experimental study of a solar desalination pond as second stage in proposed zero discharge desalination process

This work represents the efficiency of a solar desalination pond as a second stage of proposed zero discharge desalination processes to reach fresh water and also concentrated brine from the effluent wastewater of the desalination unit of Mobin petrochemical complex. So a solar desalination pond is constructed after a pretreatment unit to concentrate the softened wastewater to about 20 wt%. The concentrated wastewater is as a suited feed for a forced circulation crystallizer. During one year, the effects of major parameters such as ambient temperature and solar insolation rate are investigated, experimentally. specific gravity in each layer of concentrated brine wastewater is evaluated. Also, evaporation rates are calculated theoretically and are verified by experimental data. Theoretical values predict evaporation rate accurately. Results show good agreement with experimental data. According to results, maximum evaporation rate is 5 l/m² day when the insolation rate is about 24,602 kJ/m² day Solar energy absorption factor on June is max. Also, experimental results show the best proposed time to gain highest thermal energy is on spring therefore performance efficiency of solar desalination pond promote on spring comparing with the other months. Extracted data for specific gravity prove the bottom of solar desalination pond, layer 1, is best zone for energy saving and energy utilization.Also, theoretical values of evaporation rate are calculated according to measured temperatures and related mass conservation equation. Comparison between theoretical and experimental values shows dusty weather, humidity and wind velocity affects on heat transfer coefficients approximately. So, deviations between theoretical data and measured values can be explained. Results show good agreements with experimental data.     

Biogas generation potential by anaerobic digestion for sustainable energy development in India

The potential of biogas generation from anaerobic digestion of different waste biomass in India has been studied. Renewable energy from biomass is one of the most efficient and effective options among the various other alternative sources of energy currently available. The anaerobic digestion of biomass requires less capital investment and per unit production cost as compared to other renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar and wind. Further, renewable energy from biomass is available as a domestic resource in the rural areas, which is not subject to world price fluctuations or the supply uncertainties as of imported and conventional fuels. In India, energy demand from various sectors is increased substantially and the energy supply is not in pace with the demand which resulted in a deficit of 11,436 MW which is equivalent to 12.6% of peak demand in 2006. The total installed capacity of bioenergy generation till 2007 from solid biomass and waste to energy is about 1227 MW against a potential of 25,700 MW. The bioenergy potential from municipal solid waste, crop residue and agricultural waste, wastewater sludge, animal manure, industrial waste which includes distilleries, dairy plants, pulp and paper, poultry, slaughter houses, sugar industries is estimated. The total potential of biogas from all the above sources excluding wastewater has been estimated to be 40,734 Mm³/year.     

Photocatalytic colour and COD removal in the distillery effluent by solar radiation

The photodegradation of distillery effluent has been studied for removal of colour and COD reduction in the presence of solar radiation. The influence of experimental parameters such as H₂O₂ concentration dosage, effluent COD concentration, TiO₂ catalyst and pH on colour and COD removal efficiency through solar photochemical process has been investigated. Maximum colour removal of the distillery effluent achieved was 79% at an H₂O₂ concentration of 0.3 M, pH 6, effluent COD concentration of 500 ppm and catalyst dosage of 0.1 g/L. The TiO₂/H₂O₂ system seems to be more efficient in comparison to the synergetic action that appears when using H₂O₂ and TiO₂. The photocatalytic degradation process using solar light as an irradiation source showed potential application for the colour removal of the distillery effluent treatment. Solar radiation can be an considered as an alternative, effective and economic energy carrier for the treatment of industrial effluent.     

Comparison of physicochemical characteristics and photofermentative hydrogen production potential of wastewaters produced from different olive oil mills in Western-Anatolia,Turkey

Olive oil extraction produces a dark-colored wastewater that contains nutrients that can be further processed using biotechnology, in parallel with treatment for disposal. For instance, olive mill wastewater (OMW) can be used as a substrate for photofermentative hydrogen production by purple bacteria. A comparative study was investigated with several OMW samples from different olive oil mills in Western-Anatolia, Turkey. The composition of OMW varies significantly for each mill; thus, a detailed physicochemical analysis of each sample has been carried out. Subsequently, samples were assessed for their functioning in anaerobic photofermentative hydrogen production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides O.U.001. The highest hydrogen production potential (19.9 m³ m^?3) was obtained by the OMW sample with the highest organic content (mainly acetic acid, 9.71 kg m^?3) and the highest carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) molar ratio (73.8 M M^?1). The organic content was found to be composed of primarily acetic, aspartic, and glutamic acids. There was a linear relationship between C/N ratio and hydrogen production potential across the different OMW samples. This study is unique due to the wide range of analyses of OMW samples and the comparison of many parameters for hydrogen production from wastewater. The results obtained throughout this study can aid in the design of systems using wastewater for biohydrogen production. Particularly, the C/N ratio was found to be the best parameter for choosing a proper substrate.     

Effect of organic loading rate on fermentative hydrogen production from continuous stirred tank and membrane bioreactors

The influence of organic loading rates (OLRs) on the performance of fermentative hydrogen-producing bioreactors operating in continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) modes was examined. Five OLRs were examined, ranging from 4.0 to 30 g COD L^?1 d^?1, with influent glucose concentrations ranging from 1.3 to 10 g COD L^?1. At OLRs up to 13 g COD L^?1 d^?1, all influent glucose was utilized and the H₂ yield was not significantly influenced by OLR, although the yield in the CSTR mode was significantly higher than that in the MBR mode, 1.25 versus 0.97 mol H₂ (mol Gluc. Conv.)^?1, respectively. At an OLR of 30 g COD L^?1 d^?1, both reactor modes were overloaded with respect to glucose utilization and also had significantly higher H₂ yields of 1.77 and 1.49 mol H₂ (mol Gluc. Conv.)^?1 for the CSTR and MBR modes, respectively, versus the underloaded operation. At the intermediate OLR of 22 g COD L^?1 d^?1, the H₂ yield was maximized at 1.78 mol H₂ (mol Gluc. Conv.)^?1 for both the CSTR and MBR operation. Overall H₂ production was 50% higher in the MBR mode, 0.78 versus 0.51 moles d^?1, because the CSTR mode was overloaded with respect to glucose utilization at this OLR. These results suggest that an optimum OLR that maximizes H₂ yield and H₂ production may be near the OLR that causes overload with respect to substrate utilization. Additionally, while the CSTR mode is easier to operate and provides higher H₂ yields at underloaded and overloaded OLRs, the MBR mode may be preferable when operating near the optimum OLR.     

Laboratory investigations on continuous bio-methanization of energy crops as mono-substrate without supplementation

Continuous bio-methanization of an energy crop, namely the beet silage, was investigated in this laboratory-scale work as mono-substrate, using a mesophilic biogas digester controlled by a fuzzy logic control (FLC) technique and without using any supplementing or buffering agent, despite the low pH of the substrate around 3.80. The temperature, pH, redox potential (ORP), daily biogas production and composition of digester biogas were continuously measured online. During the operation, the hydraulic retention time (HRT) varied between 24.8 and 9 days, as the organic loading rate (OLR) ranged from 2.6 to 4.7 g L^?1 d^?1. The average pH, specific gas production rate (spec. GPR) and volumetric gas production rate (vol. GPR) were determined to be 7.12, 0.31 L g VS^?1 d^?1 and 1.084 L L^?1 d^?1, respectively. The average methane (CH₄) content of digester biogas was about 56%. The FLC technique, which was developed at HAW Hamburg for anaerobic conversion of acidic energy crops to methane, determined the daily feeding volume (～ OLR/HRT) for the biogas digester, depending on the feedback from online pH and methane measurements, and on the calculation of the spec. GPR. The spec. GPR was calculated by the corrected daily biogas production. Through online monitoring of pH, biogas production rate and composition, and by use of the FLC technique, the acidic beet silage could continuously be converted to biogas, without using manure or any other kind of buffering or supplementing agent(s). The lab-scale anaerobic biogas digester performed stable and safe, without encountering any problems of instability, as indicated by an adequate amount of buffering capacity, a VFA content below 0.5 g L^?1 and a neutral pH range throughout the study.     

Viability of solar photovoltaics as an electricity generation source for Jordan

Viability of solar photovoltaics as an electricity generation source for Jordan was assessed utilizing a proposed 5 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant. Long-term (1994–2003) monthly average daily global solar radiation and sunshine duration data for 24 locations – distributed all over the country – were studied and analyzed to assess the distribution of radiation and sunshine duration over Jordan, and formed an input data for evaluation and analysis of the proposed plant's electricity production and economic feasibility. It was found that – depending on the geographical location – the global solar radiation on horizontal surface varied between 1.51 and 2.46 MWh/m²/year with an overall mean value of 2.01 MWh/m²/year for Jordan. The sunshine duration was found to vary – according to the location – between 8.47 and 9.68 h/day, with a mean value of 9.07 h/day and about 3311 sunshine hours annually for Jordan. The annual electricity production of the proposed plant varied depending on the location between 6.886 and 11.919 GWh/year, with a mean value of 9.46 GWh/year. The specific yield varied between 340.9 and 196.9 kWh/m², while the mean value was 270.59 kWh/m². Analysis of the annual electricity production of the plant, the specific yield, besides the economic indicators i.e., internal rate of return, simple payback period, years– to- positive cash flow, net present value, annual life cycle saving, benefit–cost ratio, and cost of energy – for all sites – showed that Tafila and Karak are the most suitable sites for the solar photovoltaic power plant's development and Wadi Yabis is the worst. The results also showed that an average of 7414.9 tons of greenhouse gases can be avoided annually utilizing the proposed plant for electricity generation at any part of Jordan.     

Optimizing energy harvest in wastewater treatment by combining anaerobic hydrogen producing biofermentor (HPB) and microbial fuel cell (MFC)

This study focused on the optimization of energy harvest from wastewater treatment by integrating two novel biotechnologies: anaerobic hydrogen production and microbial fuel cell (MFC). The simultaneous production of hydrogen and electricity from wastewater was examined at continuous flow at different organic loading rates (OLR) by changing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and hydraulic retention time (HRT). The experimental results showed that the specific hydrogen yield (SHY, mole H₂/mole glucose) increased with the decrease in OLR, and reached at the maximum value of 2.72 mol H₂/mole glucose at the lowest OLR of 4 g/L.d. The effluent from hydrogen producing biofermentor (HPB) was fed to a single chamber MFC (SCMFC), obtaining the highest power density and coulombic efficiency (CE) of 4200 mW/m³ and 5.3%, respectively. The energy conversion efficiency (ECE) increased with OLR and reached the peak value of 4.24% at the OLR of 2.35 g/L.d, but decreased with higher OLR. It was demonstrated that the combination of HPB and MFC improved the ECE and COD removal with the maximum total ECE of 29% and COD removal of 71%. The kinetic analysis was conducted for the HPB-MFC hybrid system. The maximum hydrogen production was projected to be 2.85 mol H₂/mole glucose. The maximum energy recovery and COD removal efficiency from MFC were projected to be 559 J/L and 97%, respectively.     

Development of an economical model to determine an appropriate feed-in tariff for grid-connected solar PV electricity in all states of Australia

Australia is a country with a vast amount of natural resources including sun and wind. Australia lies between latitude of 10–45°S and longitude of 112–152°E, with a daily solar exposure of between less than 3 MJ/(m² day) in winter and more than 30 MJ/(m² day) in summer.Global solar radiation in Australia varies between minimum of 3285 MJ/(m² year) in Hobart to 8760 MJ/(m² year) in Northern Territory. As a result of this wide range of radiation level there will be a big difference between costs of solar PV electricity in different locations.A study we have recently conducted on the solar PV electricity price in all states of Australia. For this purpose we have developed an economical model and a computer simulation to determine the accurate unit price of grid-connected roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity in A$/kWh for all state of Australia. The benefit of this computer simulation is that we can accurately determine the most appropriate feed-in tariff of grid-connected solar PV energy system. The main objective of this paper is to present the results of this study.A further objective of this paper is to present the details of the unit price of solar PV electricity in the state of Victoria in each month and then to compare with electricity price from conventional power systems, which is currently applied to this state. The state Victoria is located south of Australia and in terms of sun radiation is second lowest compared with the other Australian states.The computer simulation developed for this study makes it possible to determine the cost of grid-connected solar PV electricity at any location in any country based on availability of average daily solar exposure of each month as well as economical factors of the country.     

An assessment of solar energy potential in Kampuchea

A satellite technique was adopted to assess solar energy potential in Kampuchea. The study aims to explore solar irradiation potential and distribution under the influence of Asian monsoons over land and a large water surface of a lake by using the satellite technique, with a relatively small spatial scale, which have never been accessed before. In this study, the solar irradiation potential over Kampuchea (10°N–14.5° N, 101.5°E–105°E) was estimated at interval of half a degree grid. The seasonal variations of mean daily solar irradiation in Kampuchea were measured during two Asian winter and summer monsoon seasons.The results revealed that the mean solar irradiation depends more on orographic effects than on seasonal changes. During the winter monsoon, the local minimal means of daily solar irradiation were found on the great Lake Tonle Sap and on the northern, windward side of the Elephant Mountain with a range of 13–14 MJ m^?2 day^?1. The local maximal means of daily solar irradiation were found on the northwestern part of Kampuchea, with a value of 18 MJ m^?2 day^?1. In contrast, during the summer monsoon, the local minimal means of daily solar irradiation were, again, found on the same mountainous region of the Elephant Mountain, but the area of minimal means shifted to the southern side where it is the windward side of the mountain during the summer monsoon with a value of 12 MJ m^?2 day^?1. The local maximal means of the daily solar irradiation were found scattered over various areas: south of Lake Tonle Sap and at various places in the north and northwestern parts of the country, with a range of 18–19 MJ m^?2 day^?1. It was also found that a high mean of solar irradiation is generally associated with a low standard deviation, i.e., it is less in temporal variation.     

Field test of a solar seawater desalination unit with triple-effect falling film regeneration in northern China

Based on the mechanism of falling film evaporation condensation, a new four-stage distillation unit with triple-effect regeneration has been designed, constructed and field tested. The seawater desalination system is driven by 80 m² all-glass vacuum tube solar collection system with an additional 1 kW wind power system to provide electricity for pumps. The field testing and monitoring of the system had been carried out under the real weather condition for 2 years. The results show that the water production of the system for per unit of solar collector area could reach up to more than 12 kg/m²/day under the fine weather conditions. Water production of the system was stable in long period and the annual production could reach to 250 tons in northern China. The economic performance of the system is also discussed. The cost of water production is estimated approximately 4.6 Dollar/ton for the 15-year service life.     

Year round test of a solar adsorption ice maker in Kunming,China

A solar adsorption ice maker with activated carbon–methanol adsorption pair was developed for a practical application. Its main features include utilization of a water cooled condenser and removing all valves in the refrigerant circuit except the one that is necessary for refrigerant charging. Year round performance tests of the solar ice maker were performed in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Test results show that the COP (coefficient of performance) of the solar ice maker is about 0.083–0.127, and its daily ice production varies within the range of 3.2–6.5 kg/m² under the climatic conditions of daily solar radiation on the surface of the adsorbent bed being about 15–23 MJ/m² and the daily average ambient temperature being within 7.7–21.1 °C. The suitable daily solar radiation under which the solar ice maker can run effectively in Kunming is above 16 MJ/m².     

Electricity generation and microbial community structure of air-cathode microbial fuel cells powered with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and inoculated with different seeds

The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), normally exceeding 60% of the waste stream in developing countries, could constitute a valuable source of feed for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This study tested the start-up of two sets of OFMSW-fed air-cathode MFCs inoculated with wastewater sludge or cattle manure. The maximum power density obtained was 123 ± 41 mW m⁻² in the manure-seeded MFCs and 116 ± 29 mW m⁻² in the wastewater-seeded MFCs. Coulombic efficiencies ranged between 24 ± 5% (manure-seeded MFCs) and 23 ± 2% (wastewater-seeded MFCs). Chemical oxygen demand removal was >86% in all the MFCs and carbohydrate removal >98%. Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing demonstrated the dominance of the phylum Firmicutes (67%) on the anode suggesting the possible role of members of this phylum in electricity generation. Principal coordinate analysis showed that the microbial community structure in replicate MFCs converged regardless of the inoculum source. This study demonstrates efficient electricity production coupled with organic treatment in OFMSW-fueled MFCs inoculated with manure or wastewater.