Electricity Generation by Clostridiumspp and Proteus Vulgaris from Rotten Tomatoes in a Double Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell
J.K. Mbugua1*, D.N. Mbui1, J.M. Mwaniki1, F.B. Mwaura1
Citation : J.K. Mbugua, D.N. Mbui, J.M. Mwaniki, F.B. Mwaura, Electricity Generation by Clostridiumspp and Proteus Vulgaris from Rotten Tomatoes in a Double Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell Strains Isolated from Clinical Samples International Journal of Research Studies in Microbiology and Biotechnology 2018, 4(4) : 32-38
Low electron transfer efficiency from bacteria to electrodes remains one of the major bottlenecks
that limit industrial applications of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Elucidating biological mechanism of the
electron transfer processes is of great help in improving the efficiency of MFCs. The electricigens and its
activity have an important influence on the power generation capacity and organic matter degradation ability
of MFC system.
In the current study, rotten tomatoes were used as a substrate in a double chamber microbial fuel cells using
Clostridiumspp. and Proteus vulgarisbacteria cultures. Proximate analysis of tomatoes wastes shows 4.38%
and 85.63 % volatile matter and15.08 and 292.37 Kcal/100g energy for fresh and dry weight respectively.
Maximum generated voltage was 0.622V, 0.465V and 0.759V from Clostridium Spp., Proteus and rumen fluid
respectively. Daily current recorded was in the range of 0.04 to 0.059mA for rumen fluid inoculum.
The power density and current density of 8.12mW/m2 and 13.02mA/m2 were generated using Clostridium
spp. which is five times compared to what was generated using Proteus vulgaris culture.