1
|
Greenman J, Mendis BA, Gajda I, Ieropoulos IA. Microbial fuel cell compared to a chemostat. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:133967. [PMID: 35176300 PMCID: PMC9023796 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent a green and sustainable energy conversion system that integrate bacterial biofilms within an electrochemical two-electrode set-up to produce electricity from organic waste. In this review, we focus on a novel exploratory model, regarding "thin" biofilms forming on highly perfusable (non-diffusible) anodes in small-scale, continuous flow MFCs due to the unique properties of the electroactive biofilm. We discuss how this type of MFC can behave as a chemostat in fulfilling common properties including steady state growth and multiple steady states within the limit of biological physicochemical conditions imposed by the external environment. With continuous steady state growth, there is also continuous metabolic rate and continuous electrical power production, which like the chemostat can be controlled. The model suggests that in addition to controlling growth rate and power output by changing the external resistive load, it will be possible instead to change the flow rate/dilution rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK; Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Buddhi Arjuna Mendis
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Iwona Gajda
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Ioannis A Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gong L, Abbaszadeh Amirdehi M, Sonawane JM, Jia N, Torres de Oliveira L, Greener J. Mainstreaming microfluidic microbial fuel cells: a biocompatible membrane grown in situ improves performance and versatility. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1905-1916. [PMID: 35441185 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00098a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A recent trend in microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to exclude a separation membrane, instead, relying on the physics of laminar flow to maintain isolation between anode and cathode compartments. To avoid solution crossover, the electrodes may be separated by distances of several millimeters, but this negatively affects the internal resistance and undermines a prime advantage of microscale MFCs. Therefore, we propose a facile method for in situ synthesis of a micromembrane that supports sub-millimeter electrode spacing. Membrane synthesis in situ reduces device fabrication complexity, and the proposed design avoids electrode contamination during its synthesis. Comparing results to a state-of-the-art membraneless MFC with 6 mm inter-electrode distances, the sub-millimeter membrane MFC under comparable flow conditions had an internal resistance that was 60% lower, power and current densities that were respectively 45% and 290% higher, and acetate conversion efficiencies that were 8 times higher. The enhanced flow stability provided stable operation under imbalanced flow conditions and delivered continuous increases to power density of up to 30% for flow rate increases of 100 times over baseline levels. As a result, maximum outputs obtained were 660 mW m-1 and 3.5 A m-1. These are the highest reported for microfluidic MFCs using pure culture bacteria, which advances the goal of competing with mainstream MFC formats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Gong
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | | | - Jayesh M Sonawane
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Nan Jia
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Leon Torres de Oliveira
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jesse Greener
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
- CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec G1L 3L5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sharma R, Kumari R, Pant D, Malaviya P. Bioelectricity generation from human urine and simultaneous nutrient recovery: Role of Microbial Fuel Cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133437. [PMID: 34973250 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urine is a 'valuable waste' that can be exploited to generate bioelectricity and recover key nutrients for producing NPK-rich biofertilizers. In recent times, improved and innovative waste management technologies have emerged to manage the rapidly increasing environmental pollution and to accomplish the goal of sustainable development. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted the attention of environmentalists worldwide to treat human urine and produce power through bioelectrochemical reactions in presence of electroactive bacteria growing on the anode. The bacteria break down the complex organic matter present in urine into simpler compounds and release the electrons which flow through an external circuit generating current at the cathode. Many other useful products are harvested at the end of the process. So, in this review, an attempt has been made to synthesize the information on MFCs fuelled with urine to generate bioelectricity and recover value-added resources (nutrients), and their modifications to enhance productivity. Moreover, configuration and mode of system operation, and factors enhancing the performance of MFCs have been also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rozi Sharma
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rekha Kumari
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Deepak Pant
- Separation & Conversion Technology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, Mol, 2400, Belgium
| | - Piyush Malaviya
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Greenman J, Gajda I, You J, Mendis BA, Obata O, Pasternak G, Ieropoulos I. Microbial fuel cells and their electrified biofilms. Biofilm 2021; 3:100057. [PMID: 34729468 PMCID: PMC8543385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2021.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) represent a wide range of different biofilm-based bioreactors that includes microbial fuel cells (MFCs), microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and microbial desalination cells (MDCs). The first described bioelectrical bioreactor is the Microbial Fuel Cell and with the exception of MDCs, it is the only type of BES that actually produces harvestable amounts of electricity, rather than requiring an electrical input to function. For these reasons, this review article, with previously unpublished supporting data, focusses primarily on MFCs. Of relevance is the architecture of these bioreactors, the type of membrane they employ (if any) for separating the chambers along with the size, as well as the geometry and material composition of the electrodes which support biofilms. Finally, the structure, properties and growth rate of the microbial biofilms colonising anodic electrodes, are of critical importance for rendering these devices, functional living 'engines' for a wide range of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Iwona Gajda
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Jiseon You
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Buddhi Arjuna Mendis
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Oluwatosin Obata
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BS16 1QY, UK
| | | | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, BS16 1QY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Greenman J, Mendis A, You J, Gajda I, Horsfield I, Ieropoulos I. Microbial Fuel Cell Based Thermosensor for Robotic Applications. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:558953. [PMID: 34722640 PMCID: PMC8555662 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.558953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On the roadmap to building completely autonomous artificial bio-robots, all major aspects of robotic functions, namely, energy generation, processing, sensing, and actuation, need to be self-sustainable and function in the biological realm. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) provide a platform technology for achieving this goal. In a series of experiments, we demonstrate that MFCs can be used as living, autonomous sensors in robotics. In this work, we focus on thermal sensing that is akin to thermoreceptors in mammalian entities. We therefore designed and tested an MFC-based thermosensor system for utilization within artificial bio-robots such as EcoBots. In open-loop sensor characterization, with a controlled load resistance and feed rate, the MFC thermoreceptor was able to detect stimuli of 1 min directed from a distance of 10 cm causing a temperature rise of ∼1°C at the thermoreceptor. The thermoreceptor responded to continuous stimuli with a minimum interval of 384 s. In a practical demonstration, a mobile robot was fitted with two artificial thermosensors, as environmental thermal detectors for thermotactic application, mimicking thermotaxis in biology. In closed-loop applications, continuous thermal stimuli were detected at a minimum time interval of 160 s, without the need for complete thermoreceptor recovery. This enabled the robot to detect thermal stimuli and steer away from a warmer thermal source within the rise of 1°C. We envision that the thermosensor can be used for future applications in robotics, including as a potential sensor mechanism for maintaining thermal homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Arjuna Mendis
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jiseon You
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Iwona Gajda
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Horsfield
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tremouli A, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Effect of simple interventions on the performance of a miniature MFC fed with fresh urine. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY 2021; 46:33594-33600. [PMID: 34594062 PMCID: PMC8461078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.07.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to enhance the performance of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) design by making simple interventions. Specifically, terracotta "t" and mullite "m" ceramics are tested as membranes while carbon veil and carbon cloth are used as electrodes. In the case of "m" cylinders different dimensions are examined (m: ID 30 mm x height 11.5 mm; sm: ID 18 mm x height 18 mm). The units operated continuously with urine as the feedstock. The best performing is the sm type (60-100 μW), followed by the t type (40-80 μW) and the m type (20-40 μW). Polarisation experiments indicated that activated carbon on the anode enhances the power output (t: 423 μW, sm: 288 μW). Similarly, the increase of the surface area and the addition of stainless steel mesh on the cathode improves the power performance for the "sm" and the "t" units. Furthermore, it is shown that the design with the smaller internal diameter, performs better and is more stable through time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Tremouli
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, T-Building, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, T-Building, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, BRL, University of the West of England, T-Building, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koók L, Nemestóthy N, Bélafi-Bakó K, Bakonyi P. The influential role of external electrical load in microbial fuel cells and related improvement strategies: A review. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107749. [PMID: 33549971 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The scope of the currentreviewis to discuss and evaluate the role of the external electrical load/resistor (EEL) on the overall behavior and functional properties of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this work, a comprehensive analysis is made by considering various levels of MFC architecture, such as electric and energy harvesting efficiency, anode electrode potential shifts, electro-active biofilm formation, cell metabolism and extracellular electron transfer mechanisms, as a function of the EEL and its control strategies. It is outlined that taking the regulation of EEL into account at MFC optimization is highly beneficial, and in order to support this step, in this review, a variety of guidelines are collected and analyzed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- László Koók
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Nándor Nemestóthy
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Katalin Bélafi-Bakó
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Péter Bakonyi
- Research Group on Bioengineering, Membrane Technology and Energetics, University of Pannonia, Egyetem ut 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Greenman J, Hewett K, Saad S. Discovery, development and exploitation of steady-state biofilms. J Breath Res 2020; 14:044001. [PMID: 33021218 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/abb765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Early in vitro biofilm models go back even beyond the invention of the word 'biofilm'. In the dental field, biofilms were simply known as dental plaque and many of the first in vitro models were termed 'artificial mouth microcosm plaques'. The purpose of this review is to highlight important elements of research from over the years regarding in vitro biofilm models, including data from our own laboratories. This helps us to interpret the models and point the way to the future development of biofilm testing. Many hypotheses regarding biofilm phenomena, particularly ecology, metabolism and physiology of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and volatile organic compound (VOC) production could potentially be supported or disproved. In this way, the methods we use for screening biologically active agents including inhibitors, biocides and antimicrobial compounds in general can be improved. Hopefully, any lessons learnt in the past may be of value for the future. In this review, we focus around the need for growth rate controlled long-term biofilms; being continuously monitored using recent technical advances in bioluminescence, selective real-time electrodes, pH electrodes and continuous on-line analysis of the gas phase (both qualitatively and quantitatively). These features allow for accurate determination of growth rate and/or metabolic rate as well as pave the way towards automated assays and fine control of metabolism; impossible to achieve according to conventional biofilm theory. We also attempt to address the questions; can biofilm systems be improved to maintain long term 'real' or 'true' steady states over weeks or months, or are we limited to quasi-steady state systems for a limited period of time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, United Kingdom. Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, BS16 1QY, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yewale A, Methekar R, Agrawal S. Multiple model-based control of multi variable continuous microbial fuel cell (CMFC) using machine learning approaches. Comput Chem Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2020.106884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
10
|
Walter XA, Santoro C, Greenman J, Ieropoulos IA. Scalability and stacking of self-stratifying microbial fuel cells treating urine. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 133:107491. [PMID: 32163891 PMCID: PMC7133052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The scalability of Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is key to the development of stacks. A recent study has shown that self-stratifying membraneless MFCs (S-MFCs) could be scaled down to 2 cm without performance deterioration. However, the scaling-up limit of S-MFC is yet unknown. Here the study evaluates the scale-up height of S-MFCs treating urine, from 2 cm, 4 cm to 12 cm high electrodes. The electrochemical properties of the S-MFCs were investigated after steady-states were established, following a 70-days longevity study. The electrochemical properties of the 2 cm and 4 cm conditions were similar (5.45 ± 0.32 mW per cascade). Conversely, the 12 cm conditions had much lower power output (1.48 ± 0.15 mW). The biofilm on the 12 cm cathodes only developed on the upper 5-6 cm of the immersed part of the electrode suggesting that the cathodic reactions were the limiting factor. This hypothesis was confirmed by the cathode polarisations showing that the 12 cm S-MFC had low current density (1.64 ± 9.53 µA cm-2, at 0 mV) compared to the other two conditions taht had similar current densities (192.73 ± 20.35 µA cm-2, at 0 mV). These results indicate that S-MFC treating urine can only be scaled-up to an electrode height of around 5-6 cm before the performance is negatively affected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Alexis Walter
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, T-Block, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
| | - Carlo Santoro
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, T-Block, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, T-Block, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
| | - Ioannis A Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, T-Block, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol BS16 1QY, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yewale A, Methekar R, Agrawal S. Dynamic analysis and multiple model control of continuous microbial fuel cell (CMFC). Chem Eng Res Des 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
12
|
Winfield J, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Response of ceramic microbial fuel cells to direct anodic airflow and novel hydrogel cathodes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY 2019; 44:15344-15354. [PMID: 31217664 PMCID: PMC6558992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The presence of air in the anode chamber of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) might be unavoidable in some applications. This study purposely exposed the anodic biofilm to air for sustained cycles using ceramic cylindrical MFCs. A method for improving oxygen uptake at the cathode by utilising hydrogel was also trialled. MFCs only dropped by 2 mV in response to the influx of air. At higher air-flow rates (up to 1.1 L/h) after 43-45 h, power did eventually decrease because chemical oxygen demand (COD) was being consumed (up to 96% reduction), but recovered immediately with fresh feedstock, highlighting no permanent damage to the biofilm. Two months after the application of hydrogel to the cathode chamber, MFC power increased 182%, due to better contact between cathode and ceramic surface. The results suggest a novel way of improving MFC performance using hydrogels, and demonstrates the robustness of the electro-active biofilm both during and following exposure to air.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chouler J, Di Lorenzo M. Pesticide detection by a miniature microbial fuel cell under controlled operational disturbances. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2019; 79:2231-2241. [PMID: 31411577 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2019.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology holds enormous potential for inexpensive real-time and onsite testing of water sources. With the intent of defining optimal operational conditions, we investigated the effect of environmental factors (changes in temperature, pH and ionic strength), on the performance of a single chamber miniature MFC sensor. The pH of the influent had the greatest effect on the MFC performance, with a 0.531 ± 0.064 μA cm-2 current variation per unit change of pH. Within the range tested, temperature and ionic strength had only a minor impact (0.010 ± 0.001 μA °C-1 cm-2 and of 0.027 ± 0.003 μA mS-1 cm cm-2 respectively). Under controlled operational conditions, for the first time, we demonstrated the ability of this biosensor to detect one of the most commonly applied pesticides worldwide, atrazine. The sensitivity to atrazine was 1.39 ± 0.26 ppm-1 cm-2, with a detection range of 0.05-0.3 ppm. Guidelines for systematic studies of MFC biosensors for practical applications through a factorial design approach are also provided. Consequently, our work not only enforces the promise of miniature MFC biosensors for organic pollutants detection in waters, but it also provides important directions towards future investigations for infield applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Chouler
- Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK E-mail: ; Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Mirella Di Lorenzo
- Centre for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Biofilm systems as tools in biotechnological production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:5095-5103. [PMID: 31079168 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09869-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The literature provides more and more examples of research projects that develop novel production processes based on microorganisms organized in the form of biofilms. Biofilms are aggregates of microorganisms that are attached to interfaces. These viscoelastic aggregates of cells are held together and are embedded in a matrix consisting of multiple carbohydrate polymers as well as proteins. Biofilms are characterized by a very high cell density and by a natural retentostat behavior. Both factors can contribute to high productivities and a facilitated separation of the desired end-product from the catalytic biomass. Within the biofilm matrix, stable gradients of substrates and products form, which can lead to a differentiation and adaptation of the microorganisms' physiology to the specific process conditions. Moreover, growth in a biofilm state is often accompanied by a higher resistance and resilience towards toxic or growth inhibiting substances and factors. In this short review, we summarize how biofilms can be studied and what most promising niches for their application can be. Moreover, we highlight future research directions that will accelerate the advent of productive biofilms in biology-based production processes.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ieropoulos I, Obata O, Pasternak G, Greenman J. Fate of three bioluminescent pathogenic bacteria fed through a cascade of urine microbial fuel cells. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 46:587-599. [PMID: 30796542 PMCID: PMC6510811 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-019-02153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is currently gaining recognition as one of the most promising bioenergy technologies of the future. One aspect of this technology that has received little attention is the disinfection of effluents and the fate of pathogenic organisms that find their way into the waste stream. In this study, three independent trials were carried out to evaluate the fate of three bioluminescent pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) introduced into the anodic chamber of a urine-fed cascade of 9 MFCs with matured, electroactive biofilms. These are common examples of enteric human pathogens, which could contaminate urine or waste streams. The results showed that the average power generation in the closed circuit cascade reached 754 ± 16 µW, with an average pathogen log-fold reduction of 6.24 ± 0.63 compared to 2.01 ± 0.26 for the open circuit cascade for all three pathogens. The results suggest that the bio-electrochemical reactions associated with electricity generation were the primary driving force for the inactivation of the introduced pathogens. These findings show that pathogenic organisms introduced into waste streams could be inactivated by the power-generating process within the MFC cascade system, thereby preventing propagation and thus rendering the effluent safer for possible reuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Oluwatosin Obata
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK.
| | - Grzegorz Pasternak
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
- Faculty of Chemistry Wroclaw, University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370, Wrocław, Poland
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
- Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ieropoulos IA, You J, Gajda I, Greenman J. A New Method for Modulation, Control and Power Boosting in Microbial Fuel Cells. FUEL CELLS (WEINHEIM) 2018; 18:663-668. [PMID: 30853877 PMCID: PMC6392115 DOI: 10.1002/fuce.201800009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are energy transducers, which through the metabolic reactions of facultative anaerobic microorganisms, transform the energy in organic matter directly into electricity. Extrinsic parameters such as hydraulic retention time, fuel quality (type and concentration) and physicochemical environment of electrodes and biofilms (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity, and redox), can all influence system efficiency. This work proposes that MFCs can be "fine-tuned" by adjustment of any of the physicochemical conditions including redox potential; in this context, an entirely novel method was investigated as a practical means of tuning, modulating and monitoring the redox potential within the electrode chambers. The method uses additional electrodes - known as 3rd and 4th-pins for anode and cathode chambers, respectively - which can be used in individual units, modules, cascades or stacks, for optimising the production of a large variety of chemicals, as well as biomass, water and power. The results have shown that the power output modulation resulted in an up to 79% and 33% increase, when connected via 3rd and 4th pins, respectively. Apart from power improvement, this study also demonstrated a method of open circuit potential (OCP) sensing, by using the same additional electrodes to both monitor and control the MFC signal in real time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I. A. Ieropoulos
- University of the West of EnglandBristol BioEnergy CentreBristol Robotics LaboratoryT‐Block, Frenchay CampusBS16 1QYBristolUK
| | - J. You
- University of the West of EnglandBristol BioEnergy CentreBristol Robotics LaboratoryT‐Block, Frenchay CampusBS16 1QYBristolUK
| | - I. Gajda
- University of the West of EnglandBristol BioEnergy CentreBristol Robotics LaboratoryT‐Block, Frenchay CampusBS16 1QYBristolUK
| | - J. Greenman
- University of the West of EnglandBristol BioEnergy CentreBristol Robotics LaboratoryT‐Block, Frenchay CampusBS16 1QYBristolUK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pasternak G, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Dynamic evolution of anodic biofilm when maturing under different external resistive loads in microbial fuel cells. Electrochemical perspective. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 2018; 400:392-401. [PMID: 30739982 PMCID: PMC6358148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate inoculation and maturation may be crucial for shortening the startup time and maximising power output of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), whilst ensuring stable operation. In this study we explore the relationship between electrochemical parameters of MFCs matured under different external resistance (Rext) values (50 Ω - 10 kΩ) using non-synthetic fuel (human urine). Maturing the biofilm under the lower selected Rext results in improved power performance and lowest internal resistance (Rint), whereas using higher Rext results in increased ohmic losses and inferior performance. When the optimal load is applied to the MFCs following maturity, dependence of microbial activity on original Rext values does not change, suggesting an irreversible effect on the biofilm, within the timeframe of the reported experiments. Biofilm microarchitecture is affected by Rext and plays an important role in MFC efficiency. Presence of water channels, EPS and precipitated salts is distinctive for higher Rext and open circuit MFCs. Correlation analysis reveals that the biofilm changes most dynamically in the first 5 weeks of operation and that fixed Rext lefts an electrochemical effect on biofilm performance. Therefore, the initial conditions of the biofilm development can affect its long-term structure, properties and activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Pasternak
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK
- Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370, Wrocław, Poland
- Corresponding author. Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK.
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Coldharbour Lane, BS16 1QY Bristol, UK
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cheng WL, Erbay C, Sadr R, Han A. Dynamic Flow Characteristics and Design Principles of Laminar Flow Microbial Fuel Cells. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:mi9100479. [PMID: 30424412 PMCID: PMC6215165 DOI: 10.3390/mi9100479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Laminar flow microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are used to understand the role of microorganisms, and their interactions with electrodes in microbial bioelectrochemical systems. In this study, we reported the flow characteristics of laminar flow in a typical MFC configuration in a non-dimensional form, which can serve as a guideline in the design of such microfluidic systems. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to examine the effects of channel geometries, surface characteristics, and fluid velocity on the mixing dynamics in microchannels with a rectangular cross-section. The results showed that decreasing the fluid velocity enhances mixing but changing the angle between the inlet channels, only had strong effects when the angle was larger than 135°. Furthermore, different mixing behaviors were observed depending on the angle of the channels, when the microchannel aspect ratio was reduced. Asymmetric growth of microbial biofilm on the anode side skewed the mixing zone and wall roughness due to the bacterial attachment, which accelerated the mixing process and reduced the efficiency of the laminar flow MFC. Finally, the magnitude of mass diffusivity had a substantial effect on mixing behavior. The results shown here provided both design guidelines, as well as better understandings of the MFCs due to microbial growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Way Lee Cheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Celal Erbay
- TUBITAK-Informatics and Information Security Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey.
| | - Reza Sadr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Arum Han
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Novel Analytical Microbial Fuel Cell Design for Rapid in Situ Optimisation of Dilution Rate and Substrate Supply Rate, by Flow, Volume Control and Anode Placement. ENERGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/en11092377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A new analytical design of continuously-fed microbial fuel cell was built in triplicate in order to investigate relations and effects of various operating parameters such as flow rate and substrate supply rate, in terms of power output and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency. This novel design enables the microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems to be easily adjusted in situ by changing anode distance to the membrane or anodic volume without the necessity of building many trial-and-error prototypes for each condition. A maximum power output of 20.7 ± 1.9 µW was obtained with an optimal reactor configuration; 2 mM acetate concentration in the feedstock coupled with a flow rate of 77 mL h−1, an anodic volume of 10 mL and an anode electrode surface area of 70 cm2 (2.9 cm2 projected area), using a 1 cm anode distance from the membrane. COD removal almost showed the reverse pattern with power generation, which suggests trade-off correlation between these two parameters, in this particular example. This novel design may be most conveniently employed for generating empirical data for testing and creating new MFC designs with appropriate practical and theoretical modelling.
Collapse
|
20
|
Walter XA, Merino-Jiménez I, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. PEE POWER ® urinal II - Urinal scale-up with microbial fuel cell scale-down for improved lighting. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 2018; 392:150-158. [PMID: 30018464 PMCID: PMC5989813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A novel design of microbial fuel cells (MFC) fuelled with undiluted urine was demonstrated to be an efficient power source for decentralised areas, but had only been tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Hence, a field-trial was carried out to assess its feasibility for practical implementation: a bespoke stack of 12 MFC modules was implemented as a self-sufficient lit urinal system at UK's largest music festival. Laboratory investigation showed that with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 44 h, a cascade of 4 modules (19.2 L displacement volume) was continuously producing ≈150 mW. At the same HRT, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced from 5586 mg COD·L-1 to 625 mg COD·L-1. Field results of the system under uncontrolled usage indicate an optimal retention time for power production between 2h30 and ≈9 h. When measured (HRT of ≈11h40), the COD decreased by 48% and the total nitrogen content by 13%. Compared to the previous PEE POWER® field-trial (2015), the present system achieved a 37% higher COD removal with half the HRT. The 2016 set-up produced ≈30% more energy in a third of the total volumetric footprint (max 600 mW). This performance corresponds to ≈7-fold technological improvement.
Collapse
|
21
|
Ma Q, Pu KB, Cai WF, Wang YH, Chen QY, Li FJ. Characteristics of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Modified Stainless Steel as Anode in Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells. Ind Eng Chem Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.8b00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yun-Hai Wang
- Guangdong Xi’an Jiaotong University Academy, Foshan 528300, China
| | | | - Fu-Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pseudomonas sp. biofilm development on fresh-cut food equipment surfaces – a growth curve – fitting approach to building a comprehensive tool for studying surface contamination dynamics. FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbp.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
23
|
Wang YR, Gong L, Jiang JK, Chen ZG, Yu HQ, Mu Y. Response of anodic biofilm to hydrodynamic shear in two-chamber bioelectrochemical systems. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.11.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
24
|
Ieropoulos I, Pasternak G, Greenman J. Urine disinfection and in situ pathogen killing using a Microbial Fuel Cell cascade system. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176475. [PMID: 28463976 PMCID: PMC5413022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are emerging as an effective means of treating different types of waste including urine and wastewater. However, the fate of pathogens in an MFC-based system remains unknown, and in this study we investigated the effect of introducing the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis in an MFC cascade system. The MFCs continuously fed with urine showed high disinfecting potential. As part of two independent trials, during which the bioluminescent S. enteritidis strain was introduced into the MFC cascade, the number of viable counts and the level of bioluminescence were reduced by up to 4.43±0.04 and 4.21±0.01 log-fold, respectively. The killing efficacy observed for the MFCs operating under closed-circuit conditions, were higher by 1.69 and 1.72 log-fold reduction than for the open circuit MFCs, in both independent trials. The results indicated that the bactericidal properties of a well performing anode were dependent on power performance and the oxidation-reduction potential recorded for the MFCs. This is the first time that the fate of pathogenic bacteria has been investigated in continuously operating MFC systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Grzegorz Pasternak
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Centre for Integrative Biology CIBIO, University of Trento, Povo, Trentino, Italy
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fowler GJS, Pereira-Medrano AG, Jaffe S, Pasternak G, Pham TK, Ledezma P, Hall STE, Ieropoulos IA, Wright PC. An iTRAQ characterisation of the role of TolC during electron transfer from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Proteomics 2016; 16:2764-2775. [PMID: 27599463 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Anodophilic bacteria have the ability to generate electricity in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by extracellular electron transfer to the anode. We investigated the anode-specific responses of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an exoelectroactive Gammaproteobacterium, using for the first time iTRAQ and 2D-LC MS/MS driven membrane proteomics to compare protein abundances in S. oneidensis when generating power in MFCs, and growing in a continuous culture. The regulated dataset produced was enriched in membrane proteins. Proteins shown to be more abundant in anaerobic electroactive anodic cells included efflux pump TolC and an uncharacterised tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) protein, whilst the TonB2 system and associated uncharacterised proteins such as TtpC2 and DUF3450 were more abundant in microaerobic planktonic cells. In order to validate the iTRAQ data, the functional role for TolC was examined using a δTolC knockout mutant of S. oneidensis. Possible roles for the uncharacterised proteins were identified using comparative bioinformatics. We demonstrate that employing an insoluble extracellular electron acceptor requires multiple proteins involved in cell surface properties. All MS and processed data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004090.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J S Fowler
- Biological and Environmental Systems Group, ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ana G Pereira-Medrano
- Biological and Environmental Systems Group, ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen Jaffe
- Biological and Environmental Systems Group, ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Grzegorz Pasternak
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Universities of Bristol and of the West of England, , Frenchay Campus, Bristol, UK
| | - Trong Khoa Pham
- Biological and Environmental Systems Group, ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pablo Ledezma
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Universities of Bristol and of the West of England, , Frenchay Campus, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon T E Hall
- Biological and Environmental Systems Group, ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ioannis A Ieropoulos
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, Universities of Bristol and of the West of England, , Frenchay Campus, Bristol, UK
| | - Phillip C Wright
- Biological and Environmental Systems Group, ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. .,Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, Newcastle University, Devonshire Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Anodic biofilms as the interphase for electroactive bacterial growth on carbon veil. Biointerphases 2016; 11:031013. [PMID: 27609094 DOI: 10.1116/1.4962264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure and activity of electrochemically active biofilms (EABs) are usually investigated on flat electrodes. However, real world applications such as wastewater treatment and bioelectrosynthesis require tridimensional electrodes to increase surface area and facilitate EAB attachment. The structure and activity of thick EABs grown on high surface area electrodes are difficult to characterize with electrochemical and microscopy methods. Here, the authors adopt a stacked electrode configuration to simulate the high surface and the tridimensional structure of an electrode for large-scale EAB applications. Each layer of the stacked electrode is independently characterized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and digital image processing. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilm on stacked carbon veil electrodes is grown under constant oxidative potentials (0, +200, and +400 mV versus Ag/AgCl) until a stable current output is obtained. The textural, aerial, and volumetric parameters extracted from CLSM images allow tracking of the evolution of morphological properties within the stacked electrodes. The electrode layers facing the bulk liquid show higher biovolumes compared with the inner layer of the stack. The electrochemical performance of S. oneidensis MR-1 is directly linked to the overall biofilm volume as well as connectivity between cell clusters.
Collapse
|
27
|
Pasternak G, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. Comprehensive Study on Ceramic Membranes for Low-Cost Microbial Fuel Cells. CHEMSUSCHEM 2016; 9:88-96. [PMID: 26692569 PMCID: PMC4744959 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201501320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) made with different types of ceramic membranes were investigated to find a low-cost alternative to commercially available proton exchange membranes. The MFCs operated with fresh human urine as the fuel. Pyrophyllite and earthenware produced the best performance to reach power densities of 6.93 and 6.85 W m(-3), respectively, whereas mullite and alumina achieved power densities of 4.98 and 2.60 W m(-3), respectively. The results indicate the dependence of bio-film growth and activity on the type of ceramic membrane applied. The most favourable conditions were created in earthenware MFCs. The performance of the ceramic membranes was related to their physical and chemical properties determined by environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The cost of mullite, earthenware, pyrophyllite and alumina was estimated to be 13.61, 4.14, 387.96 and 177.03 GBP m(-2), respectively. The results indicate that earthenware and mullite are good substitutes for commercially available proton exchange membranes, which makes the MFC technology accessible in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Pasternak
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Wroclaw University of Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - John Greenman
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol BioEnergy Centre, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
A combined model for large scale batch culture MFC-digester with various wastewaters through different populations. Bioelectrochemistry 2015; 106:298-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
29
|
You J, Walter XA, Greenman J, Melhuish C, Ieropoulos I. Stability and reliability of anodic biofilms under different feedstock conditions: Towards microbial fuel cell sensors. SENSING AND BIO-SENSING RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
|
30
|
Ledezma P, Donose BC, Freguia S, Keller J. Oxidised stainless steel: a very effective electrode material for microbial fuel cell bioanodes but at high risk of corrosion. Electrochim Acta 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.01.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
31
|
Di Lorenzo M, Thomson AR, Schneider K, Cameron PJ, Ieropoulos I. A small-scale air-cathode microbial fuel cell for on-line monitoring of water quality. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 62:182-8. [PMID: 25005554 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The heavy use of chemicals for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes has increased the risk of freshwater contamination worldwide. Consequently, the demand for efficient new analytical tools for on-line and on-site water quality monitoring has become particularly urgent. In this study, a small-scale single chamber air-cathode microbial fuel cell (SCMFC), fabricated by rapid prototyping layer-by-layer 3D printing, was tested as a biosensor for continuous water quality monitoring. When acetate was fed as the rate-limiting substrate, the SCMFC acted as a sensor for chemical oxygen demand (COD) in water. The linear detection range was 3-164 ppm, with a sensitivity of 0.05 μA mM(-1) cm(-2) with respect to the anode total surface area. The response time was as fast as 2.8 min. At saturating acetate concentrations (COD>164 ppm), the miniature SCMFC could rapidly detect the presence of cadmium in water with high sensitivity (0.2 μg l(-1) cm(-2)) and a lower detection limit of only 1 μg l(-1). The biosensor dynamic range was 1-25 μg l(-1). Within this range of concentrations, cadmium affected only temporarily the electroactive biofilm at the anode. When the SCMFCs were again fed with fresh wastewater and no pollutant, the initial steady-state current was recovered within 12 min.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Di Lorenzo
- University of Bath, Department of Chemical Engineering, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
| | | | | | - Petra J Cameron
- University of Bath, Department of Chemistry, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ledezma P, Stinchcombe A, Greenman J, Ieropoulos I. The first self-sustainable microbial fuel cell stack. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:2278-81. [DOI: 10.1039/c2cp44548d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|