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Research Article - (2018) Volume 10, Issue 3

Microbial Fuel Cell: An Efficient Method to Utilize Prokaryotic Potential to Engender Reliable Energy

Ankur B1* and Shipra S2
1Department of Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Education & Research, Mangalayatan University, India
2Department of Biotechnology, RBS College, India
*Corresponding Author: Ankur B, Department of Biotechnology & Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Education & Research, Mangalayatan University, India, Tel: 918475080995 Email:

Abstract

A MFC (Microbial Fuel Cell), a microbial power module is a novel and exquisite advancement serving reasonable and green bio-vitality change innovation in the midst of microbial assimilation of regular acids and sugars. In commenced work twofold microbial operated energy chambers were constructed with diverged nature of microorganisms. In MFC-R1, E. coli (Escherichia coli) was utilized in anode slot while in MFC-R2, the sludge samples, anaerobically activated were exploited as anode and aerobically activated in cathode. The extreme yield of voltage was 150 mV in MFC-R1 after adding glucose and 400 mV in MFC-R2. In absence of appropriate air circulation in MFC-R1 voltage yield was diminished to 110 mV, while after proper aeration, the voltage yield has increased up-to 140 mV. In MFC-R2 voltage generation was reduced (250 mV) in deficiency of airing and increased up-to 400 mV after providing proper aeration. In MFC-R2, the higher voltage sustained for an extensive period (for 4 days) while in MFC-R1 voltage output declined after Day 1. This may be happened because in MFC-R2, additional substrates (the sludge samples rich in biomass/nutrients) were present and diverse sorts of microbes may be grown under wild conditions (belonging to different genus/species/strains) to utilize that substrate. Subsequently, the MFCs are being produced for both waste management besides bio-electricity generation and what's more, the thought would be fiscally functional and cooperative ecologically.

Keywords: Microbial fuel cell; Cathode; Anode; Bio-electricity; Saltbridge; Bio-electrochemical system

Introduction

To determine an expanding worldwide request in energy, a wellspring of supportable and ecologically benevolent service is required. Energy derived from petroleum byproducts, sustainable and atomic sources, has negatively influenced the nature [1]. It takes coherently that utilizing petroleum derivatives has seriously endangered human life through its uncommon aftermaths, for example, an Earth-wide temperature boost and air contamination [2].

Be that as it may, numerous nations have attempted amazing endeavors to locate a pertinent answer for energy crises by turning towards sustainable power sources [3]. An eventual outcome of these endeavors, one hitherto proposed elective energy sources could be microbially operated fuel cells which produces electrical energy utilizing high esteem metal catalysts [4]. MFC practices lively microorganism in anode (anaerobic) compartment for making bioelectricity [5]. MFC’s are equipped for changing over energy, accessible in a bio-convertible substrate, straightforwardly into electricity with the assistance of micro-organisms [5]. Fuel cells (Figure 1) operated microbially are innovative energy arrangements that utilizes bacterial cells to transform carbohydrates in anaerobically into free electrons and waste-stuff [6]. Free electrons stored by micro-organisms on anode side creates a potential variance among both (anode & cathode) compartments yielding a ‘MFC’ [7,8].

Figure

Figure 1: Pictorial view of MFC [8].

The conception of utilizing miniaturized organisms as impetuses in power devices was investigated amid 1970s [9]. In 1991, microbial energy chambers managing waste-water were presented [10]. Regardless, it has late explained that microbial energy units with an upgraded control yield were created giving conceivable opportunities towards functional applications [11]. Moreover, microbial energy units have pulled in developing consideration for their ability of electricity production and treating natural waste streams simultaneously [12].

MFCs – A step ahead of traditional organizations

It should be realized that an MFC is a form of hybrid system-very different from traditional aerobic or anaerobic systems. The microbes for fuel cell must be developed or grown anaerobically, remembering the ultimate objective of delivering power [13]. The strategy should be anticipated towards limiting oxygen spillage, predominantly across the cathode and proton exchanger membrane/salt bridge, for minimal occurring of aerobic action [14]. Regardless of whether oxygen leaks in anode chamber it is quickly devoured by the microscopic organisms producing a low redox potential [15].

In this work, fuel cell grounded on aerobic plus anaerobic stimulated sludge was constructed and efficiency of generated voltage was compared. The “graphite” was used to make electrode rods, glucose as carbon source, laboratory grown E. coli culture in anode section and aerobically initiated sludge in cathode slot following with salt bridge for cation exchange.

Material and Methods

Experimental set-up: Microorganisms in MFCs

It was found earlier that the organisms of municipal wastes are appropriate for MFC application [16]. The sort of microorganism to be employed as a part of fuel cell relies upon what substrate is proposed to be oxidized. The microscopic organisms, for example, Geobacter sulfurreducens straight forwardly uptake acetic acid source yet can't deal with complex sugars [17]. Earlier, coordinate oxidizing of glucose and fructose by Rhodoferax ferrireducens (facultative anaerobe) has been accounted that can be wielded extensively in variety of conceivable applications [18,19].

Strategy for MFC construction

Electrodes in MFCs

The anode materials utilized can significantly affect density (Figure 2). Anode electrodes are prepared characteristically from graphite constituents including plate, paper, felt, and foam [20]. The highly permeable materials have immense power density (Figure 2) because of which more intricate surface zone is accessible for microbial colonization. The power yield is emphatically associated to anode surface region [21]. The cathodic zone, interestingly, has just a minor impact on power output [22].

Figure

Figure 2: A comparison of three different graphite materials with all variables except electrode materials held constant [9].

Material for construction of MFCs

Graphite rods (pencil lead purchased from co-operative store, AAIDU), Copper wire (DC wire purchased from local electrical shop), Milli-voltmeter (Make – Omega, purchased from Science Traders, Civil lines, Allahabad), Two food grade plastic flasks – 1 L capacity (purchased from local stationary shop), Air pump (Sobo Aquarium Pump, China - purchased from Shanti aquarium, Bairahna, Allahabad), Conical flask, Beakers Petriplates, Culture tube, Volumetric flask (Borosil), Plastic pipe of diameter 2.5 cm and length about 6 cm (domestic wiring pipe purchased from local electrical shop), Cello tape, M-Seal (purchased from stationary shop).

Chemicals required

The following chemicals were used during our work.

• Agar (SRL Pvt. Ltd.)

• CaCl2 (SRL Pvt. Ltd)

• Dextrose (Central Drug House Pvt. Ltd.)

• FeCl3.6H2O (Qualigens Fine Chemicals)

• KCl (SRL Pvt. Ltd.)

• MgSO4.7H2O (MERCK Pvt. Ltd.)

• MnSO4.7H2O (Central drug House Pvt. Ltd.)

• NaHCO3 (SRL Pvt. Ltd.)

• NaHPO4 (Thomas Baker Chemicals Ltd.)

• Na2HPO4 (Thomas Baker Chemicals Ltd.)

• NH4Cl (SRL Pvt. Ltd.)

• (NH4)2SO4 (MERCK Pvt. Ltd.)

• Nutrient agar and broth (HiMedia)

Microorganisms used

Pure laboratory culture of Escherichia coli (Obtained from Department of Microbiology & Microbial Technology, AAI-DU). Aerobic and along with Anaerobic activated sludge (collected from waste-water treatment plant of Ganga Pollution Control Board, Allahabad).

Construction of salt-bridge

The salt-bridge was made consisting 3% agar (w/v) dissolved in 1M solution of KCl. A plastic pipe was rinsed with ddH2O (double distilled water) and air dried. One end of pipe was sealed properly using cello tape. Further, KCl (7.5 g) and 3 g of agar was dissolved in 100 ml distilled water by continuous stirring. The warm mixture was carefully decanted into the plastic pipe avoiding the trap of any air bubble in the mixture. The mixture was then permitted to set inside the plastic pipe and after solidification cello tape was removed carefully from the sealed end.

Procedure for assembly of MFC

A puncture sufficient to oblige the salt-bridge scaffold, was cut at the side of both the plastic flasks. The salt-bridge was fixed and connected to both the plastic flasks by inserting the ends into the space made by puncturing the sides of plastic flasks. Finally, cavity between plastic pipe and the flask was sealed by epoxy (M-Seal). A minute perforation was made for the wire attached with electrode (graphite rods), on two caps of both the flasks. Another puncture in cathodic chamber was made for accommodating rubber tubing of air pump. The electrode wire was passed from the space created on the flask caps and was sealed. The pipe of air pump was passed from another hovel made on the lid of cathodic chamber. The flask behaving as anode was marked as “anode chamber” and other flask working as cathode was marked as “cathode chamber”.

Construction & operational setup for MFCs

Preparation of MFC based on pure culture of E. coli

MFC based on pure culture of E. coli was named as MFC-R1 and its preparation was completed by dissolving peptone (6 g), beef extract (6 g), NaCl (10 g) in 2 L of warm distilled water and pH was maintained at 7.3. This step was followed by further addition of NaHCO3 (4 g), NH4Cl (0.62 g), KCl (0.26 g), NaHPO4 (8.44 g), Na2HPO4 (5.50 g), (NH4)2SO4 (1.02 g), MgSO4.7H2O (0.4 g), CaCl2 (0.03 g), FeCl3.6H2O (0.002 g) and MnSO4.H2O (0.04 g) to the broth. From autoclaved broth 1 L was transferred in anode chamber and another 1 L in cathode. Anodic slot of MFC-R1 was then inoculated with E. coli (pure culture) at sterile conditions and complete set up was incubated (37°C) for two days.

Preparation of MFC Based on Anaerobic and Aerobic (Activated) Sludge

MFC based on anaerobic and aerobic (activated) sludge was named as MFC-R2 and prepared by pouring 1L of anaerobic (activated) sludge in anodic chamber and 1L of aerobic (activated) sludge in cathodic chamber. Further the growth supplements like, NaHCO3 (4 g), NH4Cl (0.62 g), KCl (0.26 g), NaHPO4 (8.44 g), Na2HPO4 (5.50 g), (NH4)2SO4 (1.02 g), MgSO4.7H2O (0.4 g), CaCl2 (0.03 g), FeCl3.6H2O (0.002 g) and MnSO4.H2O (0.04 g) were dissolved in 100 mL distilled water. Half of this solution (50 mL) was added in anodic chamber and rest (50 mL) in cathode chamber and complete set up was incubated (37°C) for two days.

Working of MFCs (for both MFC-R1 and MFC-R2)

After two days of incubation, 2 g of glucose (substrate) was supplemented in anode chamber and again incubated for an hour at 37°C. The wires were then connected to millivolt meter. The generated electricity was measured and recorded as output voltage at every half an hour in millivolt (mV). The complete set up of the MFCs constructed in working condition are showed in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure

Figure 3: The complete setup of MFC-R1 in working condition.

Figure

Figure 4: The complete setup of MFC-R2 in working condition.

Results

Here two different MFCs were constructed which differed in the nature of micro-organism employed for electricity generation. The first (MFC-R1) cell was made of pure culture of E.coli and MFC-R2 of varied bacterial culture (anaerobic activated sludge). The recorded voltage yield was compared at certain substrate (glucose) concentration. To achieve this, MFC-R1 was first operated with 2 g of glucose and voltage was recorded at every half-an-hour until it declined and reached to a minimum worth. A similar methodology was rehashed for MFC-R2.

Electricity genesis by MFC-R1

Potential difference across both electrodes (-10 mV) was observed just after adding substrate (glucose). For the first 2 h, voltage yield increased slowly and reached to a mark of 10 mV toward the finish of 2nd h (Figure 5a). Further, voltage was increased exponentially for next 4 h and reached to a mark of 150 mV toward the finish of 6th h which was the peak value of electricity generated by MFC-R1. In the 7th h, output was stable at 150 mV (Table 1 and Figure 5a).

Time Duration For Day1          (Hours) Total Running Time of MFC R1 (Hours) Output Voltage               (mV)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
-10
0
10
10
10
30
40
50
60
80
110
140
150
150
150

Table 1: Output voltage recorded with respect to time for MFC-R1 on Day 1.

Figure

Figure 5a: Output voltage of MFC-R1 with respect to time (Day 1).

On next morning (24 h after adding of substrate), the voltage was reduced to 110 mV. After providing proper aeration in cathodic chamber, the voltage output was again increased and reached to 140 mV toward the finish of 24th h. The voltage was constant for 25th h and started decreasing gradually and finally reached at 110 mV toward the finish of 28th h. Moreover, the voltage started decreasing at greater pace and reached to 40 mV toward the finish of 31st h on Day 2 (Table 2). On 3rd day morning (48 h after substrate addition) the power productivity was recorded as 10 mV, which gradually reduced to zero within an hour (Figure 5b).

Time Duration For Day2          (hours) Total Running Time Of MFC R1 (Hours) Output Voltage
(mV)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
27.5
28.0
28.5
29.0
29.5
30.0
30.5
31.0
110
120
140
140
140
130
120
110
110
90
80
60
60
50
40

Table 2: Output voltage generation in respect to time on Day 2 by MFC R1.

Figure

Figure 5b: Output voltage of MFC-R1 with respect to time (Day 2).

Electricity genesis by MFC-R2

Potential distinction of 10 mV was observed just after adding substrate (glucose). For the 1st h, the voltage revenue was increased gradually and reached to 20 mV. After that, potential energy increased exponentially for next 4th h and reached to 330 mV, just prior to finish of 5th h. Within half-an-hour the output were increased and reached at 350 mV and was stable for an hour. After that minor rise in voltage (360 mV) was observed towards the end of 7th h on Day 1 (Table 3 and Figure 6a).

Time Duration for Day 1          (Hours) Total Running Time of MFC R2 (Hours) Output Voltage
                         (mV)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
10
20
40
50
70
100
150
190
250
290
330
350
350
360
360

Table 3: Voltage generation with respect to time on Day 1 by MFC R2.

Figure

Figure 6a: Output voltage of MFC-R2 with respect to time (Day 1).

On the next morning (24 h after substrate addition), the voltage was observed to be reduced to 250 mV. After providing appropriate aeration in cathode slot, the voltage again increased and reached to 380 mV within one and-a-half hour and was constant for few next hours as recorded. The voltage reached to its most extraordinary estimation of 400 mV toward the finish of 27th h. After that, there was a slight fluctuation in for next few hours and the voltage was constant at 380 mV toward the finish of 31st h on Day 2 (Table 4, and Figure 6b).

Time Duration for Day 2          (Hours) Total Running Time of MFC R2 (Hours) Output Voltage
(mV)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
27.5
28.0
28.5
29.0
29.5
30.0
30.5
31.0
250
280
350
380
380
370
400
400
390
390
400
390
380
380
380

Table 4: Voltage generation with respect to time on Day 2 by MFC R2.

Figure

Figure 6b: Output voltage of MFC-R2 with respect to time (Day 2).

On the third day morning (48 h after substrate addition), the voltage recorded was 320 mV, trailed by a slight increase (350 mV) in the 49th h. Thereafter, a steady drop in voltage was detected which became stable at 260 mV, Table 5. On the fourth day morning (72 h after substrate addition), the output recorded was 250 mV (Figure 6c), followed via slight increase (270 mV) in the 73rd h. After the 74th h, a continuous decrease in the yield voltage was detected. The voltage declined steadily for following 2 h, then came to 150 mV toward the finish of 76th h. There was steep voltage yield decline after 76th h to its minimum value of 50 mV toward the finish of 79th h on Day 4 (Table 6). Next day i.e. 5th day morning (96 h after substrate addition), the output from cell was 10 mV which gradually declined to zero within 60 min (Figure 6d).

Time Duration for Day 3          (Hours) Total Running Time of MFC R2 (Hours) Output Voltage
(mV)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
48.0
48.5
49.0
49.5
50.0
50.5
51.0
51.5
52.0
52.5
53.0
53.5
54.0
54.5
55.0
320
330
350
350
340
330
320
320
310
300
290
270
270
260
260

Table 5: Voltage generation with respect to time on Day 3 by MFC R2.

Time Duration for Day 4          (Hours) Total Running Time of MFC R2 (Hours) Output Voltage
(mV)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
72.0
72.5
73.0
73.5
74.0
74.5
75.0
75.5
76.0
76.5
77.0
77.5
78.0
78.5
79.0
250
260
270
270
250
230
190
180
150
130
120
110
80
60
50

Table 6: Voltage generation with respect time on Day 4 by MFC R2.

Figure

Figure 6c: Output voltage of MFC-R2 with respect to time (Day 3).

Figure

Figure 6d: Output voltage of MFC-R2 with respect to time (Day 4).

Discussion

Recently, prodigious attentions were waged for MFCs due to their insignificant functioning circumstances employing variable biodegradable substrates as fuel. The traditional MFC comprised of anode and cathode partitions but this research work is made through two chambered operated cell utilizing activated sludge and sugar as substrates. Other than the benefits of this innovation, despite everything it faces viable obstructions, for example, small power and current density. Advance in configuration has given various angles that are to be researched to achieve a cell that may deliver huge and significant yields. Form the earlier reports and investigations I came to know about the obstructions and laggings in the voltage yield like, progressive yield were not being gained [23]. The maximum output was reported not above 235±1μW [24]. In present work different MFC portions (anode, cathode and salt bridge) have been designed manually to overcome suggested practical challenges and maximum voltage gain was recorded above 280 mV (MFC-R2) which is much higher than the above said report. Microorganisms effectively catabolize substrate creating bioelectricity. MFCs are one of the utmost up to date innovations to deliver energy from various substrates as sources. In light of the guarantee of feasible vitality age from various substrates, for example, natural organic squanders, inquire about has been escalated over the most recent couple of years. As petroleum sources are being depleted, energy crisis encouraged researchers for considering alternative energy sources. Moreover, using fossil fuels might cause environmental pollution. Clean and green fuels, significantly fuel cells and biofuels, as new energy generating sources without any pollution are suitable replacements of old-style fossil fuels.

Conclusion

Initially in MFC-R1 voltage yield was negative due to difference in solution ionic magnitude or strength in both (anode and cathode) chambers. But the initial reading of MFC-R2 was positive and this may be because of additional free electrons available in anodic chamber. In lack of oxygen, free electrons were not used up and when the circuit was completed, they cascaded displaying positive deflection of 10 mV. The streaming of electrons from cathode to positive ions produced at anode happens to be through salt-bridge. The voltage of MFC-R1 increased with a slower pace compared to MFC-R2 and reached maximum to 150 mV while in MFC-R2, the current augmented at a greater pace and reached maximum of 400 mV.

In MFC-R2, the higher voltage sustained for long while in MFC-R1 it started decreasing after Day 1, because quantity of organisms in MFC-R2 was substantially higher (than in MFC-R1). Also, in MFC-R2, additional substrates (sludge rich in biomass/nutrients) were present and different microbes were grown-up under wild conditions (belonging to different genus/species/strains) to utilize that substrate. The dissimilarities in peak values of output voltage in both MFCs was due to presence of varied bacterial culture in MFC-R2, while in MFC-R1 only laboratory grown pure bacteria was present (E. coli) (Figure 7a).

Figure

Figure 7a: Comparison of Output Voltage of MFC-R1 and MFC-R2 (Day 1).

For performance improvement in voltage yield in MFCs proper aeration (cathode chamber) is essential. It helps in proper mixing of O2 in the aerobic sludge and thus provides sufficient O2 as final electron acceptor. This has been proved in present investigation. In both the MFCs, when proper aeration was provided during the morning hours of 2nd and 3rd day (i.e., during the night time no aeration was given in cathode chamber), the voltage output was increased drastically (Figure 7b).

Figure

Figure 7b: Comparison of Output Voltage of MFC-R1 and MFC-R2 (Day 1). Comparison of Output Voltage of MFC-R1 and MFC-R2 (Day 2).

The voltage in MFC-R1 reached to its lowermost mark on the second day while in MFC-R2 voltage was sustained for four days. This was because, in MFC-R1, only 2 g of glucose (substrate) was present and once consumed completely, no substrate was available that may perhaps be consumed by the E. coli to produce electrons. While in MFC-R2, there was many substrates present, as the waste-water is highly biomass splendid. Moreover, the microorganism fledged in wild conditions might be much proficient in utilizing available substrates in the medium for their metabolic activities than the laboratory grown single culture of E. coli. The result depicts that MFC-R2 has given better voltage yield than MFC-R1.

In this project two dissimilar microbial cultures were used (i) pure laboratory culture of E. coli and (ii) Mixed or blended microbial culture obtained from sludge to produce electricity. The voltage produced using mixed or blended microbial culture was significantly higher and sustained for longer time than the voltage generated by E. coli. Power origination from utilized wastewater has imminent potential. MFCs have pulled in developing consideration for their capability of power manufacturing and simultaneously treating natural waste water. MFCs are being created for both waste-water treatment and for the age of biopower and the thought would be commercially practical.

Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to Dr. Gajendra B. Singh and Er. Ankit Singh, Department of Biotechnology and Life-Sciences, Mangalayatan University for their suggestions in the preparation of research article.

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Citation: Ankur B, Shipra S (2018) Microbial Fuel Cell: An Efficient Method to Utilize Prokaryotic Potential to Engender Reliable Energy. J Microb Biochem Technol 10: 69-75.

Copyright: © 2018 Ankur B, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.