Sunday, May 4, 2008
4-27

Characterization and application of microbial consortia-based biofuel cells

Abhijeet P. Borole1, David Leak2, Choo Hamilton1, Mohammad I. Ali3, Tequila A. L. Harris3, and Thomas Fuller3. (1) Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1-Bethel Valley Road, Bldg 1520, Rm 217, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, (2) Imperial College, London, United Kingdom, (3) Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) capable of electricity production at high power density is reported. Electrogenic organisms catalyzing direct electron transfer play an important role in determining power output from these devices. Microbial characterization of the communities existing in microbial fuel cells is needed for better understanding and exploitation of the role biology can play in improving these devices. A 16S rDNA analysis of the microbial consortia enriched from an anaerobic digestor inoculum is reported. The consortia  was enriched using a combined carbon source: glucose + lactate.  A single-chamber MFC with a flow-through anode and an air-only cathode was used to enrich biofilm-forming organisms, while eliminating planktonic cells. Long-term stable operation of these devices requires development of a sustained community capable of electricity production without dependence on electron mediators. This work demonstrates how MFCs enriched with such consortia can be employed to produce electricity at high power densities (> 100 W/m3 ) from organic carbon-rich aqueous streams. Application of the consortia-based MFC to production of electricity from brewery and food industry wastewater is reported.

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