Sustainable Bioenergy Generation from Organic Waste: Harnessing the Bioelectric Potential of Combined Mango and Orange Peel Substrates in Microbial Fuel Cell Systems

The utilization of agricultural residues as renewable energy feedstock offers a sustainable approach to mitigating environmental degradation and improving energy security. In the Philippines, yellow mango peel waste (YMPW) and orange peel waste (OPW) are abundant organic byproducts often improperly disposed of, contributing to ecological pollution and resource inefficiency. This study explores the potential of converting YMPW and OPW into electricity using microbial fuel cells (MFCs)—bio-electrochemical systems that employ electrogenic microorganisms to oxidize organic substrates and facilitate electron transfer. Focusing on the synergistic effects of combined fruit peel substrates, experiments were conducted using a dual-chamber MFC across substrate masses of 50 g, 150 g, and 300 g. Results showed that a 1:1 mixture of YMPW and OPW at 300 g yielded the highest power output of 0.28554 W, with a power density of 528.05 W/m³ and energy efficiency of 0.6225%. Individually, OPW and YMPW produced 0.21633 W (400.06 W/m³, 0.4732%) and 0.17501 W (323.65 W/m³, 0.4248%). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed significant differences among treatments (F = 314.5888, P < 0.05), highlighting the enhanced performance of the mixed substrate. These findings validate the viability of fruit peel waste as a feedstock for bioelectricity generation and underscore the potential of MFCs for decentralized, low-cost, and sustainable energy solutions. The research supports waste valorization within a circular economy and contributes to the advancement of clean, renewable energy technologies.