Characterization and performance of anodic mixed culture biofilms in submersed microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) were designed for laboratory scale experiments to study electroactive biofilms in anodic chambers. Anodic biofilms and current generation during biofilm growth were examined using single chambered MFCs submersed in algal catholyte. A culture of the marine green alga Nanochloropsis salina was used as a biocatholyte, and a rumen fluid microbiota was the anodic chamber inoculum. Electrical impedance spectroscopy was performed under varying external resistance once a week to identify mass transport limitations at the biofilm-electrolyte interface during the four-week experiment. The power generation increased from 249 to 461mWm−2 during the time course. Confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging showed that the depth of the bacterial biofilm on the anode was about 65μm. There were more viable bacteria on the biofilm surface and near the biofilm-electrolyte interface as compared to those close to the anode surface. The results suggest that biofilm growth on the anode creates a conductive layer, which can help overcome mass transport limitations in MFCs. Schematic 1: Experimental set up. [Display omitted] •Submersible MFCs were operated with anolyte inocula from rumen fluid.•The anode chamber was submerged in algal catholyte culture.•Attached anode biofilm was characterized by CLSM, SEM and impedance spectroscopy.•Biofilm growth on the anode increased the internal resistance over time.