Raw Akamu wastewater as electrolyte for accumulators (Certificate of Registration of Patent:006419)

The quest for eco-friendly electrolytes for lead-acid accumulators has necessitated this research. Raw Akamu wastewater (rAWW), a biowaste effluent, was assessed for its viability as a substitute electrolyte for lead-acid accumulators. Five hundred grams of dent Zea mays L. (yellow maize) was weighed for the preparation of the raw Akamu using the traditional methods. Raw Akamu wastewater (rAWW) got in the process was tested for its pH, microbial and chemical contents. Results indicated that the rAWW had a pH of 1.50 ± 0.00, and contained Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Bacillus sp. and Lactobacillus sp. The chemical contents include organic acids, alcohols, benzene acetonitrile, uridine, campesterol and D-glucose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentaacetate. To assess its electrolytic potentials, the rAWW was filled into an empty 75 AH lead-acid accumulator with an initial voltage of 11.75 ± 0.05 V. The accumulator was then charged for 12 h thereby significantly (p < 0.05) increasing the voltage to 12.20 ± 0.00 V. Afterwards, the accumulator was used to drive a four-cylinder car (1038 kg wt; the maximum power of 104 bhp-77 kw) for twenty-four months. The pH value of rAWW reduced to 1.00 ± 0.00, only Bacillus sp. was isolated while organic acids, ketones, taxifolin, riboflavine, L-phenylalanine, isosorbide, lacthydrazide, and glucose benzyloxime pentaacetate were detected during usage. In conclusion, raw Akamu wastewater was validated as a viable substitute for the usual sulfuric acid and an eco-friendly electrolyte for lead-acid accumulators.