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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization
Published on: December 29, 2013
Micro-microbial electrochemical sensor equipped with combined bioanode and biocathode for water biotoxicity
Na Chu1, Qinjun Liang1, Wen Hao2
1Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China.
Abstract:
The development of low-cost biosensors for water monitoring is expected to reduce potential risks from contamination accidents. This study reported a novel micro-microbial electrochemical sensor using combined bioanode and biocathode as the sensing element, characterized by a sequential flowing membrane-free channel and a bilateral passive oxygen supply. A decrease in the ratio of number of bioanode to biocathode resulted in a lower power generation, whereas, achieving a similar or even higher toxic response. The voltage was affected by both the flow rate and the acetate concentration. With the increased acetate concentration, a clear trade-off was observed between the electroactivity stimulation of bioanode vs. the electroactivity maintenance of biocathode. Biosensors made good response to the injection of formaldehyde (10 µL of 0.25%, and 100 µL of 0.025%) into the inlet. A high microbial diversity was observed. This work can lead to a revolutionizing way of water monitoring using self-powered micro-biosensors.
