Experimental evaluation of influential factors for electricity harvesting from sediment using microbial fuel cell.
The aim of this study was to evaluate limiting factors affecting electricity output from sediment microbial fuel cells (sediment MFCs). In laboratory tests, various factors likely to be encountered in field application were divided into controllable and uncontrollable ones. Based on the findings, it could be suggested that the sediment MFCs can be operated with an anode to cathode area ratio of at least 5:1 and at high external loads (1000 ohms) when the cathode is closely placed to the anode, though DO concentration at the cathode must be kept above 3 mg/l. Furthermore, no significant effect on current production over a prolonged period was observed within the sediment temperature range of 20-35 degrees C, but was negatively affected by lower temperatures (10 degrees C). These observations provide important factors with respect to the construction and operation of sediment MFCs at field sites, which will aid in maximizing electricity output.
Hong
Seok Won
SW
Center for Environmental Technology Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 131, Cheongryang, Seoul 130-650, Republic of Korea. swhong@kist.re.kr
Chang
In Seop
IS
Choi
Yong Su
YS
Chung
Tai Hak
TH
D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources / Q000382:microbiology*; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004560:Electricity; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000382:microbiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity