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Published on: July 24, 2018
Influence of anode pretreatment on its microbial colonization
J L Liu1, D A Lowy, R G Baumann
1Center of Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|December 23, 2006
Summary
Chemical treatment of marine sediment biofuel cell (MSBFC) anodes alters microbial communities. Pretreatment significantly impacts the types and abundance of bacteria, influencing biofuel cell performance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Electrochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Marine sediment biofuel cells (MSBFCs) generate electricity from microbial oxidation of organic matter.
- Anode microbial communities are crucial for MSBFC efficiency.
- Understanding microbial colonization is key to optimizing MSBFC performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how chemical anode pretreatment affects microbial diversity in MSBFCs.
- To assess the impact of electrochemical oxidation on anode biofilm composition.
Main Methods:
- MSBFCs with pretreated and untreated graphite anodes were operated for 6 weeks.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze microbial communities on each anode.
Main Results:
- Pretreated anodes showed a fourfold decrease in gamma-proteobacteria and a fourfold increase in delta-proteobacteria.
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria increased sixfold on the pretreated anode.
- Sulfur oxidizers were detected on the pretreated anode but not the untreated one.
Conclusions:
- Anode chemical pretreatment significantly shapes the microbial communities in MSBFCs.
- Tailoring anode surface chemistry can control biofilm composition and potentially enhance biofuel cell function.
