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A laboratory experiment for science courses: Sedimentary microbial fuel cells
Martín Pérgola1,2, Natalia J Sacco1, M Celina Bonetto3
1Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioanalysis (LABB), Departamento de Química Biológica e IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 2, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Undergraduate biology students learned to build and understand microbial fuel cells, integrating biology, biochemistry, and electricity concepts for renewable energy education.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Education
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing need for interdisciplinary approaches in scientific education.
- Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a relevant topic for integrating diverse scientific concepts.
- MFCs represent a potential renewable energy source, aligning with global interests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a laboratory experiment for undergraduate biology students.
- To provide hands-on experience in assembling and understanding microbial fuel cells.
- To facilitate the integration of biological, biochemical, and electrical concepts.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a laboratory experiment within a third-year undergraduate biology course.
- Students assembled and operated microbial fuel cells.
- Focus on understanding the operational principles of MFCs.
Main Results:
- Students gained practical skills in constructing MFCs.
- Students developed an understanding of MFC functionality.
- Integration of biological, biochemical, and electrical principles was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The MFC experiment effectively integrates interdisciplinary concepts in undergraduate biology.
- The activity enhances students' manual skills and experimental design capabilities.
- This approach prepares future professionals for challenges in renewable energy and scientific research.
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