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Greenman J, Thorn R, Willey N, Ieropoulos I. Energy harvesting from plants using hybrid microbial fuel cells; potential applications and future exploitation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1276176. [PMID: 38357705 PMCID: PMC10865378 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1276176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) can be fuelled using biomass derived from dead plant material and can operate on plant produced chemicals such as sugars, carbohydrates, polysaccharides and cellulose, as well as being "fed" on a regular diet of primary biomass from plants or algae. An even closer relationship can exist if algae (e.g., prokaryotic microalgae or eukaryotic and unicellular algae) can colonise the open to air cathode chambers of MFCs driving photosynthesis, producing a high redox gradient due to the oxygenic phase of collective algal cells. The hybrid system is symbiotic; the conditions within the cathodic chamber favour the growth of microalgae whilst the increased redox and production of oxygen by the algae, favour a more powerful cathode giving a higher maximum voltage and power to the photo-microbial fuel cell, which can ultimately be harvested for a range of end-user applications. MFCs can utilise a wide range of plant derived materials including detritus, plant composts, rhizodeposits, root exudates, dead or dying macro- or microalgae, via Soil-based Microbial Fuel Cells, Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells, Plant-based microbial fuel cells, floating artificial islands and constructed artificial wetlands. This review provides a perspective on this aspect of the technology as yet another attribute of the benevolent Bioelectrochemical Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Greenman
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Thorn
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Willey
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Ieropoulos
- Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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2
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Khalid Z, Singh B. Looking at moss through the bioeconomy lens: biomonitoring, bioaccumulation, and bioenergy potential. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114722-114738. [PMID: 37897571 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30633-2] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
The field of bioeconomy has been experiencing a surge in interest in recent years as society increasingly recognizes the potential of utilizing renewable biological resources to create sustainable solutions for economic growth, resource management, and environmental protection. Despite its potential, there is a notable lack of studies exploring the utilization of moss as a viable resource within the bioeconomy framework. Aligned with this objective, this paper conducts a keyword analysis using the VOSviewer application to explore the applicability of mosses as a bioeconomy resource. While biomonitoring using mosses has been studied extensively, this paper shifts its focus to discuss advancements in this area. Moreover, it evaluates the viability of moss utilization for bioenergy production and concisely summarizes their application in microbial fuel cells. The review also highlights challenges pertinent to moss utilization and presents future prospects. The overarching goal of this review paper is to assess the potential and utilization prospects of mosses within the realms of bioaccumulation, air purification, and bioenergy. By offering a comprehensive summary of moss applications, performance, and viability across diverse sectors, this paper endeavors to promote the versatile application of mosses in various contexts. It repositions the discussion on mosses, accentuating their utilization potential prior to exploring conclusions and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Khalid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835205, India
| | - Bhaskar Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835205, India.
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Shlosberg Y, Huang A, Tóth TN, Kaner RB. Roots Fuel Cell Produces and Stores Clean Energy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5700-5708. [PMID: 37756260 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, extensive scientific efforts have been conducted to develop clean bioenergy technologies. A promising approach that has been under development for more than a hundred years is the microbial fuel cell (MFC) which utilizes exoelectrogenic bacteria as an electron source in a bioelectrochemical cell. The viability of bacteria in soil MFCs can be maintained by integrating plant roots, which release organic materials that feed the bacteria. In this work, we show that rather than organic compounds, roots also release redox species that can produce electricity in a biofuel cell. We first studied the reduction of the electron acceptor Cytochrome C by green onion roots. We integrate green onion roots into a biofuel cell to produce a continuous bias-free electric current for more than 24 h in the dark. This current is enhanced upon irradiation of the onion's leaves with light. We apply cyclic voltammetry and 2D-fluorescence measurements to show that NADH and NADPH act as major electron mediators between the roots and the anode, while their concentrations in the external root matrix are increased upon irradiation of the leaves. Finally, we show that roots can contribute to energy storage by charging a supercapacitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Ailun Huang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Tünde N Tóth
- Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Richard B Kaner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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Shlosberg Y, Brekhman V, Lotan T, Sepunaru L. Direct Electricity Production from Nematostella and Arthemia's Eggs in a Bio-Electrochemical Cell. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15001. [PMID: 36499326 PMCID: PMC9738779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, extensive efforts have been made to develop clean energy technologies to replace fossil fuels to assist the struggle against climate change. One approach is to exploit the ability of bacteria and photosynthetic organisms to conduct external electron transport for electricity production in bio-electrochemical cells. In this work, we first show that the sea anemones Nematostella vectensis and eggs of Artemia (brine shrimp) secrete redox-active molecules that can reduce the electron acceptor Cytochrome C. We applied 2D fluorescence spectroscopy and identified NADH or NADPH as secreted species. Finally, we broaden the scope of living organisms that can be integrated with a bio-electrochemical cell to the sea anemones group, showing for the first time that Nematostella and eggs of Artemia can produce electrical current when integrated into a bio-electrochemical cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Vera Brekhman
- Marine Biology Department, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Tamar Lotan
- Marine Biology Department, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Lior Sepunaru
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Shlosberg Y, Spungin D, Schuster G, Berman-Frank I, Adir N. Trichodesmium erythraeum produces a higher photocurrent than other cyanobacterial species in bio-photo electrochemical cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2022; 1863:148910. [PMID: 35944660 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2022.148910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The increase in world energy consumption, and the worries from potential future disasters that may derive from climate change have stimulated the development of renewable energy technologies. One promising method is the utilization of whole photosynthetic cyanobacterial cells to produce photocurrent in a bio-photo electrochemical cell (BPEC). The photocurrent can be derived from either the respiratory or photosynthetic pathways, via the redox couple NADP+/NADPH mediating cyclic electron transport between photosystem I inside the cells, and the anode. In the past, most studies have utilized the fresh-water cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Syn). Here, we show that the globally important marine cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum flourishing in the subtropical oceans can provide improved currents as compared to Syn. We applied 2D-fluorescence measurements to detect the secretion of NADPH and show that the resulting photocurrent production is enhanced by increasing the electrolyte salinity, Further enhancement of the photocurrent can be obtained by the addition of electron mediators such as NAD+, NADP+, cytochrome C, vitamin B1, or potassium ferricyanide. Finally, we produce photocurrent from additional cyanobacterial species: Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, Acaryochloris marina MBIC 11017, and Spirulina, using their cultivation media as electrolytes for the BPEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Shlosberg
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel; Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 320000, Israel
| | - Dina Spungin
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gadi Schuster
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel; Faculty of Biology, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Ilana Berman-Frank
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noam Adir
- Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion, Haifa 32000, Israel; Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion, Haifa 320000, Israel.
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Çek N, Erensoy A, Ak N, Demirbas A, Gorgulu AO, Uslu H. High-efficiency, environment-friendly moss-enriched microbial fuel cell. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL REACTOR ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/ijcre-2021-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be used to produce clean energy from organic wastes. Various biomasses for MFCs can be used as biofuel materials. Moss (Bryophyta) is a source of biomass materials and can be used as an alternative fuel for microbial fuel cells. In this study, moss-enriched MFCs were produced by using moss as a biofuel source and aluminum and silver as an electrode. As a result of the good electrochemical performance of the metal electrodes (aluminum and silver), higher power density than previous studies involving moss was obtained, with the highest power density in this study being 20 mW/m2. Moreover, in this study, bacterial activity, biofilm formation, soil utilization, pH change, and corrosion were investigated in MFCs and the effects of MFC on power density were discussed. The addition of soil increased the corrosion rate and internal resistance while reducing the power density. As a result of the addition of soil, the power density dropped to 16.13 mW/m2. The corrosion rate was lower than industrial corrosion. Changes in pH confirmed that organic material dissolved and chemical reactions took place. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)-Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyzes showed the presence of Bacillus and Coccus bacteria species on the electrode surfaces. These bacteria were acted as biocatalysts by forming a biofilm on the electrode surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurettin Çek
- Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering , Mersin University, Institute of Science , Mersin , Turkey
| | - Ahmet Erensoy
- Department of Parasitology , Fırat University, Faculty of Medicine , Elazıg , Turkey
| | - Namık Ak
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering , Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Faculty of Engineering , Karaman , Turkey
| | - Ayhan Demirbas
- Department of Industrial Engineering , King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Engineering , Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
- Department of Renewable Energy , Sila Science , Trabzon , Turkey
| | - Ahmet Orhan Gorgulu
- Department of Chemistry , Marmara University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Hasan Uslu
- Department of Food Engineering , Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Engineering , Nigde , Turkey
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7
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Guadarrama-Pérez O, Bahena-Rabadan KY, Dehesa-Carrasco U, Guadarrama Pérez VH, Estrada-Arriaga EB. Bioelectricity production using shade macrophytes in constructed wetlands-microbial fuel cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 43:1532-1543. [PMID: 33092463 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2020.1841306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The coupling of constructed wetlands (CW) to microbial fuel cells (MFC) has become a promising hybrid technology due to its high compatibility to generate electricity and remove pollutants from wastewater. In the present study, the bioelectricity production generated from constructed wetlands-microbial fuel cells (CW-MFCs) was evaluated using four species of shade macrophytes: Aglaonema commutatum, Epipremnum aureum, Dranacaena braunni, and Philodendron cordatum. The CW-MFCs were operated in a continuous upflow mode with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 d. The systems were fed with synthetic water without an external carbon source. The bioelectrochemical systems were operated under diffuse radiation conditions (shadow). Philodendron cordatum was the macrophyte species that produced a maximum voltage of 103 mV, with a power density of 12.5 mW/m2. High voltages were obtained when the diffuse radiation in the CW-MFCs was 3000-4000 µmol.m2/s. The maximum production of root exudates was 20.6 mg/L as total organic carbon for the Philodendron cordatum species. Philodendron cordatum was the macrophyte species that obtained high conversion efficiency (0.0014%), compared to other macrophyte species (< 0.0008%). In the CW-MFCs systems it was observed that the bioelectricity production was mainly due to the quantity of the root exudates released into the rhizospheres of the plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Guadarrama-Pérez
- Subcoordinación de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales, Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua, Jiutepec, México
- Subcoordinación de Posgrado, Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua, Jiutepec, México
| | | | - Ulises Dehesa-Carrasco
- Coordinación de Riego y Drenaje, Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua, Jiutepec, México
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Mier AA, Olvera-Vargas H, Mejía-López M, Longoria A, Verea L, Sebastian PJ, Arias DM. A review of recent advances in electrode materials for emerging bioelectrochemical systems: From biofilm-bearing anodes to specialized cathodes. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131138. [PMID: 34146871 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectrochemical systems (BES), mainly microbial fuel cells (MEC) and microbial electrolysis cells (MFC), are unique biosystems that use electroactive bacteria (EAB) to produce electrons in the form of electric energy for different applications. BES have attracted increasing attention as a sustainable, low-cost, and neutral-carbon option for energy production, wastewater treatment, and biosynthesis. Complex interactions between EAB and the electrode materials play a crucial role in system performance and scalability. The electron transfer processes from the EAB to the anode surface or from the cathode surface to the EAB have been the object of numerous investigations in BES, and the development of new materials to maximize energy production and overall performance has been a hot topic in the last years. The present review paper discusses the advances on innovative electrode materials for emerging BES, which include MEC coupled to anaerobic digestion (MEC-AD), Microbial Desalination Cells (MDC), plant-MFC (P-MFC), constructed wetlands-MFC (CW-MFC), and microbial electro-Fenton (BEF). Detailed insights on innovative electrode modification strategies to improve the electrode transfer kinetics on each emerging BES are provided. The effect of materials on microbial population is also discussed in this review. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities for materials scientists and engineers working in BES are presented at the end of this work aiming at scaling up and industrialization of such versatile systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A Mier
- Bioenergy Lab, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/n, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, CP 62580, Mexico
| | - Hugo Olvera-Vargas
- Bioenergy Lab, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/n, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, CP 62580, Mexico
| | - M Mejía-López
- Bioenergy Lab, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/n, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, CP 62580, Mexico
| | - Adriana Longoria
- Bioenergy Lab, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/n, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, CP 62580, Mexico
| | - Laura Verea
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Energías Renovables, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, 29039, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - P J Sebastian
- Bioenergy Lab, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/n, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, CP 62580, Mexico
| | - Dulce María Arias
- Bioenergy Lab, Instituto de Energías Renovables, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Xochicalco S/n, Col. Centro, Temixco, Morelos, CP 62580, Mexico.
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Decker EL, Reski R. Mosses in biotechnology. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 61:21-27. [PMID: 31689614 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biotechnological exploitation of mosses has several aspects, for example, the use of moss extracts or the whole plant for diverse industrial applications as well as their employment as production platforms for valuable metabolites or pharmaceutical proteins, especially using the genetically and developmentally best-characterised model moss Physcomitrella patens. Whole moss plants, in particular peat mosses (Sphagnum spec.), are useful for environmental approaches, biomonitoring of environmental pollution and CO2-neutral 'farming' on rewetted bogs to combat climate change. In addition, the lifestyle of mosses suggests the evolution of genes necessary to cope with biotic and abiotic stress situations, which could be applied to crop plants, and their structural features bear an inspiring potential for biomimetics approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, Schaenzlestr. 18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT - Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
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Castresana PA, Martinez SM, Freeman E, Eslava S, Di Lorenzo M. Electricity generation from moss with light-driven microbial fuel cells. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.12.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Electrochemical Characterisation of Bio-Bottle-Voltaic (BBV) Systems Operated with Algae and Built with Recycled Materials. BIOLOGY 2018; 7:biology7020026. [PMID: 29673222 PMCID: PMC6023005 DOI: 10.3390/biology7020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Photobioelectrochemical systems are an emerging possibility for renewable energy. By exploiting photosynthesis, they transform the energy of light into electricity. This study evaluates a simple, scalable bioelectrochemical system built from recycled plastic bottles, equipped with an anode made from recycled aluminum, and operated with the green alga Chlorella sorokiniana. We tested whether such a system, referred to as a bio-bottle-voltaic (BBV) device, could operate outdoors for a prolonged time period of 35 days. Electrochemical characterisation was conducted by measuring the drop in potential between the anode and the cathode, and this value was used to calculate the rate of charge accumulation. The BBV systems were initially able to deliver ~500 mC·bottle−1·day−1, which increased throughout the experimental run to a maximum of ~2000 mC·bottle−1·day−1. The electrical output was consistently and significantly higher than that of the abiotic BBV system operated without algal cells (~100 mC·bottle−1·day−1). The analysis of the rate of algal biomass accumulation supported the hypothesis that harvesting a proportion of electrons from the algal cells does not significantly perturb the rate of algal growth. Our finding demonstrates that bioelectrochemical systems can be built using recycled components. Prototypes of these systems have been displayed in public events; they could serve as educational toolkits in schools and could also offer a solution for powering low-energy devices off-grid.
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