Generación de Electricidad Microbiana con diferentes matrices orgánicas mediante celdas de combustibles.

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) were implemented to generate bioelectric energy. The cells were fed with soils from Central Pichán Community in the province of Chimborazo and organic waste in weight ratios between vegetables and fruit in three different organic matrices M1; M2; M3, with a total organic matrix weight of 1000 g. For the implementation of MFCs, the anode compartment was configured, which comprises the organic matrix and the soil where carbon fiber electrode connected to an external circuit was placed. The space corresponding to the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) was continually implemented with a new ratio of soil and activated carbon on the top of it, and the cathode electrode was placed to form the MFCs circuit. In order to monitor the anodic pH, internal temperature and voltage (mV) sensors were installed for each MFC during a 60 day period. Microbiological analysis determined Colony Forming Units (CFU) for each of the MFCs, establishing an inverse correlation between the number of CFUs and the bioelectricity generation. The compositional analysis showed similar rates in M1 and M3 for nitrogen-free extract associated to carbohydrate compounds; M2 determined presence of cellulose since it contained a higher amount of vegetables. The ANOVA test for bioelectricity production indicated a similar behavior in the MFC1 and MFC3, while production of bioelectricity MFC2 differs significantly. This indicates a better performance in the production of bioelectricity in MFC1 and MFC3. However, to identify microorganism conglomerate showing better bioelectrical response it is necessary to work with molecular techniques.