Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
11:58
Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization
Published on: December 29, 2013
13.7K
Plant microbial fuel cell: Opportunities, challenges, and prospects
Shrirang Maddalwar1, Kush Kumar Nayak1, Manish Kumar2
1Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Chhattisgarh, Raipur 493225, India.
Bioresource Technology
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) offer a sustainable solution for bioenergy generation and wastewater treatment by overcoming limitations of traditional microbial fuel cells (MFCs). This review explores PMFC challenges and commercialization strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) generate bioenergy and treat wastewater but suffer from rapid substrate utilization.
- Plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) mitigate MFC limitations by integrating plants, enhancing substrate availability and power generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the challenges hindering the commercial feasibility of PMFC technology.
- To explore various factors influencing PMFC efficiency and identify potential solutions for performance improvement.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of existing research on MFCs and PMFCs.
- Analysis of factors affecting PMFC performance, including light intensity, CO2 concentration, plant type, microbial flora, and electrode materials.
Main Results:
- Identified key factors influencing PMFC efficiency: light intensity, CO2 levels, plant species, rhizosphere microbes, and electrode materials.
- Highlighted the potential of biochar and specific plant species for enhancing PMFC performance.
Conclusions:
- PMFC technology presents a promising avenue for sustainable bioenergy and wastewater treatment.
- Addressing identified challenges and implementing strategies like biochar application can pave the way for commercialization.
Keywords:
BioelectricityBioenergyMicrobial fuel cell (MFC)Plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC)Plant rhizosphereMore Related Videos
10:08Construction and Setup of a Bench-scale Algal Photosynthetic Bioreactor with Temperature, Light, and pH Monitoring for Kinetic Growth Tests
Published on: June 14, 2017
16.9K
06:39Author Spotlight: Design and Evaluation of Au-Electroplated Carbon Fiber Cloth Electrodes for Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cells
Published on: October 20, 2023
3.4K
Related Concept Videos
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
492
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
492
01:21Green Algae
303
Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
303
01:20Fates of Pyruvate
9.5K
Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
9.5K
01:23Microbial Fermentation
668
Fermentation is a crucial anaerobic metabolic process that enables microbes to derive energy from sugar without relying on oxygen or an electron transport chain. This process is fundamental to various biological and industrial applications and is classified based on the metabolic products generated.Role of Pyruvate in FermentationPyruvate and its derivatives serve as key electron acceptors in fermentative pathways. The oxidation of NADH to regenerate NAD+ is essential for the continuation of...
668
01:25Lipid Catabolism
361
Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
361
00:46Bioremediation
21.4K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
21.4K