Title: Behaviour of Microbial Fuel Cell in a start-up phase

Authors: Chikashi Sato, Reymer G. Martinez, Malcolm S. Shields, Alba Perez-Gracia, Marco P. Schoen

Addresses: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Idaho State University, 921 S 8th Avenue, Stop 8060, Pocatello, ID 83209-8060, USA. ' Engineer II, Research Division, Bureau of Animal Industry, Visayas Avenue, Dilliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines. ' Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, 921 S 8th Avenue, Stop 8007, Pocatello, ID 83209-8007, USA. ' Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center, Idaho State University, 921 S 8th Avenue, Stop 8060, Pocatello, ID 83209-8060, USA. ' Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center, Idaho State University, 921 S 8th Avenue, Stop 8060, Pocatello, ID 83209-8060, USA

Abstract: A Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (SCMFC) was constructed and run in a sequential feed-and-draw cycle operation. Anaerobic mixed bacterial culture and wastewater obtained from a local municipal wastewater treatment plant were used as biocatalysts and media, respectively. The SCMFC behaviour in a start-up phase was examined using the electrical potential (voltage) profiles, and further evaluated for the electricity generation and organic reduction. The voltage profile, developed during the early stages of the SCMFC run, was characterised by two prominent voltage peaks, which gradually fused into one peak.

Keywords: anaerobic bacteria; biofilm; electricity generation; MFC; microbial fuel cells; wastewater treatment; start-up phase; organic reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2009.026441

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2009 Vol.1 No.1, pp.36 - 51

Published online: 11 Jun 2009 *

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