Bioremediation analysis of sediment-microbial fuel cells for energy recovery from microbial activity in soil

In natural environments, voltage gradients can be created in soil or sediments from inherent microbial activity. Present work has utilized sediment microbial fuel cell or s-MFC for dark flocculent surface sediments to see bioelectricity generation potential at Jaipur, Rajasthan in India. Using a glucose rich substrate media and low external resistance, system generated external voltage of around 500 +/- 10 mV, with power density peaking after a week of operation with 2122 +/- 80 mW/m(2) and current density of 4.31 mA/m(2); s-MFC reactor components included six graphite based anodes, placed strategically in the sediments, connected in series to a cathode for enhanced system performance. FTIR analysis of the surface sediment showed the presence of complex organic and inorganic compounds that allow stable biofilm formation, which influences power density directly. Such systems provide a novel route to bioremediation using microbial metabolism and can provide remote power generation for oceanographic instruments, biosensors and similar low power devices.

Automated summary

This study conducted experiments using sediment microbial fuel cells in Jaipur, India, demonstrating the potential for bioelectricity generation and examining the relationship between system components and power density.