Characterization of mixed-culture biofilms established in microbial fuel cells

Microbial desalination cell technology: A review and a case study

“…A biofilm grown in the anodic chamber of a MDC acts as an anodic catalyst and helps in the rapid respiration of the bacteria, which in turn produces more current [19]. The biofilm bacteria are capable of transferring electrons to the anode without the need of an electron acceptor [20].…”

Microbial Electrochemical Technologies for Wastewater Treatment: Principles and Evolution from Microbial Fuel Cells to Bioelectrochemical-Based Constructed Wetlands

“…Since some EAB are able to develop pili and nanowires [31,32], it is expected that those appendages lead to the establishment of nano-power grids, which enhance the biofilm stability, ease the electron transfer in long-range distances, contribute to the growth of biofilm thickness, thus increasing the current production [46]. Biofilms play an important role in electrochemical processes and energy production, since higher cell densities allow higher contact among cells, enhancing the electron transfer possibilities [65]. In biofilms composed by Geobacter species, it has been reported long-range electron conductions from cells, located at distances bigger than 50 µm respect to the electrode [66].…”

“…Compared with single-strain cultures, the use of mixed-culture bacteria in METs have some advantages like the no necessity of sterilization, their environmental adaptation, application in continuous processes, the higher robustness and electrical productivity [65,68] Currently it is not possible for a MET to produce cost-effective energy [26], however, they constitute as an alternative technology to harvest energy directly from wastewater [73]. Some of the limitations for field application of METs include: installation costs, expensive electrode materials and low energy density generated [74].…”

Microbial Electrochemical Technologies for Wastewater Treatment: Principles and Evolution from Microbial Fuel Cells to Bioelectrochemical-Based Constructed Wetlands

“…Since some EAB are able to develop pili and nanowires [31,32], it is expected that these appendages lead to the establishment of nano-power grids, which enhance biofilm stability, ease the electron transfer at long distances, and contribute to the growth of biofilm thickness, thus increasing the current production [46]. Biofilms play an important role in electrochemical processes and energy production, since higher cell densities allow higher contact among cells enhancing the electron transfer possibilities [65]. In biofilms composed by Geobacter species, long-range electron conductions have been reported from cells located at distances greater than 50 µ m with respect to the electrode [66].…”