Less Microbial Fuel Cell: Application of Pure and Mixed Cultures

Energy shortage and environmental pollution Microorganisms in the anode chamber oxidize fuel have caused global disasters. Thus, active research to (electron donor e.g. glucose, acetate, etc.) to produce find out alternate sources of energy especially renewable electrons and protons. Produced electrons are transferred sources of energy is a new trend [1]. In recent years, to cathode compartment through the external circuit. fuel cells have emerged as a renewable energy sources. Generated protons flow to cathode compartment through Among different kinds of fuel cells, microbial fuel cells the membrane. Electrons and protons are combined in the (MFCs) defined as devices which directly converts cathode and reducing electron acceptor (e.g. oxygen) to microbial metabolism into electricity have attracted produce water [4,5]. Principally, the output power researchers attention [2]. MFCs are the major type of depends on the rate of substrate degradation, the rate of bioelectrochemical systems which convert biomass electron transfer from the bacteria to the electrode, the spontaneously into electricity through the metabolic circuit resistance and the proton mass transfer in the activity of the microorganisms [3]. Typical MFCs are liquid [6]. Among these parameters, electron transferred by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) or salt bridge. of 4 g.l was used as an electron donor. Anode chamber of the fabricated MFC was inoculated with two mixed _