Microbial fuel cell type biosensor for specific volatile fatty acids using acclimated bacterial communities

Volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration is one of the most important parameters for monitoring bio-processes such as anaerobic digestion and microbial fuel cells. In this study the correlation between VFA concentration and current/voltage responses and electrochemical properties by using the MFC technology was evaluated. The discrimination between different species of VFA by using two methods i.e., coulombic efficiency and cyclic voltammetry was investigated. Columbic efficiency gave a slow response of greater than 20h, particularly at concentration levels of 20mgl−1. By using cyclic voltammetry to measure the oxidation peak at a consistent scan rate showed linear correlation to VFA concentration and peak current produced, up to