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A single-chamber microbial fuel cell without an air cathode.

Vanita Roshan Nimje1, Chien-Cheng Chen2, Hau-Ren Chen1

  • 1Department of Life Science, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Road, Minhsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 11, 2012
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Summary

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) generate electricity while treating wastewater and reducing nitrate. Bacillus subtilis utilizes nitrate as an electron acceptor for efficient power production in this novel wastewater treatment technology.

Keywords:
Bacillus subtilisaerobicair cathodecyclic voltammogramsfermentationglucosemicrobial fuel cellsmicrobial growthnitrate reduction

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Electrochemistry
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a promising approach for simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
  • Nitrate contamination in wastewater poses environmental challenges, necessitating effective remediation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate electricity generation coupled with nitrate reduction using Bacillus subtilis in a single-chamber MFC.
  • To evaluate the performance of MFCs with glucose as a carbon source and nitrate as the electron acceptor under anaerobic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a single-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) with Bacillus subtilis.
  • Employed glucose as the carbon source and nitrate as the electron acceptor.
  • Measured electrical output (current, power density) and monitored nitrate concentration.
  • Performed cyclic voltammetry (CV) to analyze electron transfer mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Achieved a maximum current of 0.4 mA at 1 KΩ external resistance without a platinum catalyst.
  • Observed increased current with decreasing nitrate concentration and increasing biomass.
  • Demonstrated B. subtilis's dependence on nitrate for efficient electricity production.
  • Recorded a power density of 0.0019 mW/cm² at 220 Ω external resistance.
  • CV analysis indicated direct electron transfer involving mediators.

Conclusions:

  • Electricity generation from nitrate-containing wastewater is feasible using MFCs.
  • This technology presents a cost-effective and environmentally benign solution for wastewater treatment.
  • Bacillus subtilis effectively facilitates nitrate reduction coupled with electricity production in MFCs.