Evaluación de la producción de bioelectricidad, mediante celdas de combustible microbianas tipo planta, en Aña Moyocancha, Multitud, Atillo y San Juan, de la provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

The aim of the research was to evaluate the generation of bioelectricity using Plant-Type Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFC), in Atillo, San Juan, Multitud and Aña Moyocancha meteorological stations. The predominant specimen of each station was identified by means of the modified Whittaker method, 12 PMFCs were implemented, 3 in each station and they were exposed to the environmental conditions of each site. The variability of the microbial population was verified with the use of Colony Forming Units (CFU) at the beginning and end of the implementation and cultivated by extension plate. The results obtained from the electrical generation in Atillo were a maximum of 0.064 V (volts); 0.151 V and 0.089 V, which were collected with a data logger and 0.00165 V; 0.16946 V and 0.00223 V of voltage. 0.00223 V of voltage and 0.00018 A (ampere); 0.01401 A and 0.00019 A of electric current with the home prototype. In San Juan, a voltage of 0.1519; 0.0492 V and 0.0321 V and electric current of 0.0186 A were obtained; 0.0069 A and 0.0039 A, these values were obtained in PMFC1, PMFC2 and PMFC3 respectively. The microbial variability increased in Atillo and San Juan, PMFC3 also increased in Multitud and Aña Moyocancha, while PMFC1 and PMFC2 decreased due to environmental factors such as precipitation, plant condition, etc., which were not taken into account. The polarization and power curve showed an increasing trend in Atillo, while in San Juan it resembles a straight line. The environmental conditions related to electrical generation were ambient temperature, soil temperature (-10cm) and solar radiation, although these values were not all significant. In conclusion, it was evidenced that the plants generate small amounts of electricity; thus, it is recommended to use other plants and analyze other environmental factors.