MFC-An Approach in Enhancing Electricity Generation Using Electroactive Biofilm of Dissimilatory Iron-Reducing (DIR) Bacteria

A potential dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae was employed in dual chamber microbial fuel cell for the formation of biofilm on the anode surface. Biofilm development on the electrode was examined as extracellular polymeric substances and phospholipids quantitatively. Significant increase in open circuit voltage and the current was observed from first cycle (0.950 V, 1.250 mA) to the last cycle (1.2 V, 1.683 mA) of microbial fuel cell operation. Increasing columbic efficiency from 8 to 62% showed the amount of electrons available from the oxidation of organic matter into electricity. Chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency increment from 44 to 85% establishes effective utilization of organic matter by K. pneumoniae. The scanning electron microscopic observations proved the ability to form a biofilm on an electrode surface. Results of the present study suggested that increasing power output is directly proportional to biofilm formed on the electrode surface. Biofilm development enhances the current production as a result of effective electrocatalysis by K. pneumoniae.