THE IMPACT AND INFLUENCE OF SOLAR ENERGY, SEAWATER AND LEGISLATION ON THE MAKE-UP OF MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS AT COASTAL AREAS LIKE UMHLATHUZE MUNICIPAL JURISDICTION WHEN MAKING-UP A PV-MFC HYBRID SYSTEM

Areas with high solar radiation are advantaged with having an abundant, readily available, easily convertible renewable energy source that can power any energy demand, be it existing fossil fuel based power station(s) or other renewable energy based generation applications. Solar energy has the ability to provide power to microbial fuel cells (MFC), a component of a photovoltaic microbial fuel cell (PV-MFC) hybrid system. Seawater is also an abundant renewable resource which can improve the performance of any MFC, especially multi-chambered MFCs connected in series. Since MFCs possess a dual function of bioenergy generation and the treating of wastewater, the functions must be undertaken within the confines of the relevant laws or Acts in South Africa concerning water resources and wastewater. This paper reviews critical areas in legislation that prescribe how resources must be used and how this impacts the operation of MFCs as a part of PV-MFC hybrid systems. Focus is on legislative mandates regarding solar resources and water (seawater or ocean) resources, since uMhlathuze municipality is abundantly blessed with both these resources which can be sources of energy.