Microbial Fuel Cell and the Effects that Different Substrates Have on Electrical Output

Overview

Objectives/Goals This experiment is based upon the premise that, bacteria, if in an anaerobic environment, can create a small electrical charge that is somewhat insignificant. However, if different solutions are used as nutrients for the bacteria to feed on then the electrical charge will either decrease or increase. This experiment intends to prove that a corn-syrup based solution will produce a higher amount of electricity than the controlled sugar-and-paper mix. The economic aspects of this experiment will be a factor, as this experiment is also purposed to prove that a successful microbial fuel cell can be created using obtainable items. Methods/Materials Compression fitting, Acrylic storage containers , Adhesive, like acrylic cement, Aluminum foil, Nickel epoxy or other conductive epoxy, Digital multi-meter with leads, Petri dish, Agar, Fruit Juice, Corn Syrup, Table Sugar, Aquarium air pump with tubing, Resistors 220-ohm. Results The substrate with the high amount of sugar produced the most electricity. The controlled substrate produced an average amount of electricity, given that it would not produce a large amount. The fruit juice substrate performed, but only generated a miniscule amount of electricity. The corn syrup substrate destroyed its equipment and was unable to be used. Conclusions/Discussion The hypothesis aligned with the results, however, only in the results of the high sugar substrate, with the others falling subpar (beneath the control). The results, though disappointing (as in the case with the corn syrup), can be accepted because this experiment tested the feasibility of using such substrates, so these superficially failed substrates still fulfilled their purpose by proving that they cannot work.

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Microbiology (General) · Entry S1501

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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