Abstract

EXPLORING MICROBES FOR THEIR BIOELECTRICITY GENERATING POTENTIAL: A REVIEW

Pratibha Jadhav*, Suprabha Kumbhar, Priyanka Patil and Madhuri Gaykwad

Abstract

The need to develop and improve sustainable energy resources is of eminent importance due to the finite nature of our fossil fuels. Renewable energy is an increasing need in our society. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology represents a new form of renewable energy by generating electricity from what would otherwise be considered waste. Ability of different waste: waste water from paper industry, soap lake sample, sewage sludge from hostel, marine sediment, soil, waste water, fresh water were reviewed. Halophiles, alkalophiles, anaerobic bacteria, electricigens, Proteus vulgaris etc. has been found to serve as an alternative source of generating electricity to the conventional method. Electricity generation is possible by separating bacteria from oxygen, but allowing the bacterial growth on an anode to transfer electrons to the counter electron (cathode) that is exposed to air. Electrons can harvested to produce current. This review represents the potential of different microbes isolated from various waste material in generating bioelectricity.

Keywords: Microbial fuel cells, Microorganisms, Bioelectricity, Organic matter.