Multichannel Microbial Fuel Cell Station for Simultaneous Electrochemical and Biochemical Monitoring and Control
Abstract
This grant was for instrumentation to advance the electrochemical and biochemical monitoring and control of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs). Emerging applications of this technology include energy-neutral or -generating wastewater treatment, biomass conversion to alternate energy carriers, power delivery to remote monitoring devices, and enhanced bioremediation, all of which are expressed areas of interest to the DoD. The equipment included a system of two components, a Biologics 16-channel potentiostat/galvanostat equipped with individual-channel electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) capabilities and a Columbus Instruments 20-channel gas production and composition monitor. Combined, this system allows continuous monitoring of parallel BES systems under strict and well characterized operational control. We have already used the system for many studies, including the demonstration of exoelectrotrophic activity of Clostridium acetobutylicum, the comparative examination of anodic communities that develop on potentiostatic versus dynamic anodes, the use of a rumen-derived inoculum that led to enhanced cathode performance, bioprospecting for novel acidotolerant exoelectrogens and exoelectrotrophs from acid mine drainage, the testing of nitrate and anode potential effects on facultative exoelectrogenic metabolisms, and the use of heliox to test oxygen diffusion constraints in air-cathode systems. All of these projects are completed and manuscripts are in preparation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1053634
Entities
People
- Jennifer Macalady
- John M. Regan
- Mary A. Bruns
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University