IJESD 2026 Vol.17(1): 64-70
doi: 10.18178/ijesd.2026.17.1.1565

Preliminary Evaluation of Asparagus Waste as a Substrate in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for Bioelectricity Generation

Rojas Flores Segundo J.* , Nélida Milly Otiniano , Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis , De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly

  • Institutos y Centros de Investigación, Universidad Cesar Vallejo, Trujillo 13001, Perú

* Corresponding author

  • Manuscript receivedMarch 18, 2025
  • revisedApril 7, 2025
  • acceptedJuly 14, 2025
  • publishedFebruary 5, 2026

Abstract

The critical need for renewable energy solutionsand effective agricultural waste management presentssignificant global challenges. This study aimed to evaluate thepotential of asparagus waste as a substrate for energygeneration in microbial fuel cell. Rich in organic compoundssuch as carbohydrates, proteins, and bioactive substances,asparagus waste demonstrated remarkable potential as abioelectricity substrate source. Key findings included a peakpower density of 235.213±24.118 mW/cm², a current density of4.685 A/cm², and an internal resistance of 56.874±4.517 Ω,observed on the thirteenth day of monitoring. Optimalparameters, including a pH of 4.777±0.146 and electricalconductivity of 139.841±4.254 mS/cm, further highlighted itsefficiency. Furthermore, connecting three MFCs in seriesgenerated a combined voltage of 2.86 V, sufficient to light anLED bulb, demonstrating the technology’s scalability. Thisresearch offers groundbreaking insights into the use ofasparagus waste, setting it apart from other agricultural byproductsdue to its unique composition and superior energyconversion efficiency. This novel approach not only facilitateswaste valorization but also lays the groundwork for sustainableenergy systems, especially in asparagus-producing regions suchas Peru. By establishing a framework for standardizing MFCparameters, this study contributes to the advancement ofscalable renewable energy systems while promotingenvironmental conservation and delivering economic benefits toagricultural communities. Future investigations could focus onimproving system efficiency and expanding its applicabilityacross different contexts.

Keywords

  • asparagus waste
  • electricity
  • microbial fuel cell
  • energy sustainability
IJESD-V17N1-1565

How to Cite

Copied

Rojas Flores Segundo J., Nélida Milly Otiniano, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis, and De La Cruz-Noriega Magaly, "Preliminary Evaluation of Asparagus Waste as a Substrate in Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for Bioelectricity Generation," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 64-70, 2026. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijesd.2026.17.1.1565

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).

Article Metrics in Dimensions