Effectiveness of Photosynthetic Aquatic Microorganisms in Biophotovoltaic Cells

Overview

This experiment focuses on the isolation and testing of local, photosynthetic, and aquatic microorganisms for use in biophotovoltaic cells (BPV cells). The inspiration for this project stemmed from concern about the world’s increasing energy demand. Our limited clean energy resources require that new methods of renewable energy production are explored. BPV cells are a potential method of energy production; however, they are inefficient compared to commercial energy sources. One of the contributing factors to the power output of a BPV cell is the species of microorganism that is used. To capitalize on this factor, this experiment collected microorganisms from their natural habitats, hoping to find a species that was better suited to the BPV process. The microorganisms collected could have the potential to produce more energy than those that have been grown in a lab for generations. They may have more adaptable and efficient photosynthetic processes. The specimens were collected from streams and rivers in Transylvania County, North Carolina, an area of high biodiversity. Organisms were inoculated onto plates containing a standard growth medium and replated every week, then selected for preliminary testing based on purity and a lack of fungal growth. They were tested in BPV cells under a uniform, controlled, and measured artificial light source. Many BPVs produced insufficient voltages; however, several cells were found to increase energy production over time. It was determined that local, photosynthetic, and aquatic microorganisms can produce substantive voltages in BPV cells.

Competition history

• AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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