title: An efficient approach to cathode operational parameters optimization for microbial fuel cell using response surface methodology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the recent study, optimum operational conditions of cathode compartment of microbial fuel cell were determined by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a central composite design to maximize power density and COD removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  The interactive effects of parameters such as, pH, buffer concentration and ionic strength on power density and COD removal were evaluated in two-chamber microbial batch-mode fuel cell.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Power density and COD removal for optimal conditions (pH of 6.75, buffer concentration of 0.177 M and ionic strength of cathode chamber of 4.69 mM) improve by 17 and 5%, respectively, in comparison with normal conditions (pH of 7, buffer concentration of 0.1 M and ionic strength of 2.5 mM).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, results verify that response surface methodology could successfully determine cathode chamber optimum operational conditions.
authors.forename: Mohammadreza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hosseinpour
authors.affiliation: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. vosoughi@sharif.edu.
authors.forename: Manouchehr
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vossoughi
authors.forename: Iran
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Alemzadeh