MFC - Microbial Fuel Cell - Science Fair Projects

Biofuels

Biofuels can be produced from nearly any organic materials. Some are produced from grain byproducts, while others are produced by the decomposition of organic waste materials.

Solar Power Experiments House	Wind Turbine Science Fair Projects	Green Alternative Energy Student Science Fair Experiments
Ages 12 thru High School	Age 10 thru college	Ages 8 and up

Objectives/Goals

My project is to determine which wastewater sample creates the most millivolts using a microbial fuel cell (MFC). I believe that the simulated ground food wastewater sample will produce the most millivolts using an MFC.

Methods/Materials

Three microbial fuel cells with identical cathode and anode chambers, electrodes, and salt bridges were built. The secondary (biological) treatment sample was collected from the wastewater plant, and the ground food household wastewater sample was mixed. The wastewater samples and control were poured into individual anode bottles, and sealed airtight. Each cathode bottle was filled with a saltwater conductive solution. The external circuit was connected to the resistor (multi-meter) and the millivolt readings were recorded twice daily, for seven days.

Results

The secondary (biological) treatment wastewater sample from the Sunnyvale, CA Water Pollution Control Plant produced the highest reading, 152.45 millivolts. Simulated ground food wastewater sample generated a 78.75 millivolt reading.

Conclusions/Discussion

My conclusion does not support my hypothesis that the simulated ground food wastewater sample will produce the most millivolts using an MFC. Microorganisms added to the secondary (biological) treatment wastewater at the treatment plant, generated the highest reading of 152.45 millivolts. This is only 10.16 percent of a 1.5 volt AA battery output. Ground food naturally produced nearly half the secondary treatment millivolt level. The data demonstrates that a microbial fuel cell can be used to harvest electricity from ground food and secondary (biological) treatment wastewater. 3rd party contributor