Assessment of Bacteria as a Potential Biocatalyst for Microbial Biofuel Cell Design.

The development of microbial fuel cells based on electro-catalytic processes is among the novel topics, which are recently emerging in the sustainable development of energetic systems. Microbial fuel cells have emerged as unique biocatalytic systems, which transform the chemical energy accumulated in renewable organic fuels and at the same time reduce pollution from hazardous organic compounds. However, not all microorganisms involved in metabolic/catalytic processes generate sufficient redox potential.

Microbial Fuel Cell Based on Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.

In this study, the nitrogen-fixing, Gram-negative soil bacteria was successfully utilized as the main biocatalyst in a bacteria-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) device. This research investigates the double-chambered, H-type -based MFC that was operated in modified Norris medium (pH = 7) under ambient conditions using potassium ferricyanide as an electron acceptor in the cathodic compartment. The designed MFC exhibited an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 635 mV and a power output of 1.

Vertical distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the brackish sea water column: ex situ experiment.

Background: Oil spills can cause severe damage within a marine ecosystem. Following a spill, the soluble fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is rapidly released into the water column. These remain dissolved in seawater over an extended period of time, even should the insoluble fraction be removed.