Two independent experiments in duplicates were carried out
to validate the model predictions (Table 4). The COD removal, TN
removal and power generation in the SMFCs have been compared
with the values predicted by the statistical model. Each validation
experiment was carried out in the two identical SMFCs with operating
variables (pH, D and ER) near to the optimum values obtained
in the numerical optimization (Table 3). Substrate degradation and
power generation in the SMFCs increased gradually after start-up
and stable substrate degradation rate as well as power generation
were observed after a period of 15 days. The performance of the
SMFCs was monitored for a period of 30 days under stable period
and the COD, TN removal as well as power density obtained in the
SMFCs were compared with the values predicted from the statistical
model