System Design and Operation: Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells

Led by: Jordon Beckler, Ph.D.
Affiliated Home Campus: Harbor Branch
Affiliated Department: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Sediment microbial fuel cell “biobatteries” have been demonstrated to be a viable and field-proven solution for harnessing energy. Application examples include powering seafloor-moored devices such as oceanographic sensors (> 30 mW/m2 footprint area) or processes/sensors in wastewater treatment plants. Much ongoing research with in situ systems focuses on optimizing parameters to exploit the natural redox gradient between chemically reducing sediments and oxygenated overlying waters (e.g. anode/cathode construction), while simulated laboratory mesocosm fuel cell experiments are more focused on for optimizing microbial communities and sediment composition. This work is inherently interdisciplinary, exposing participants to alternative energy, electronics, oceanography, geochemistry, and microbiology.

The fundamental concept of “harvesting electricity from mud” using relatively simple concepts offers exciting opportunities for outreach far beyond the confines of university research. Over the last three summers, we advanced designs and constructed simple, inexpensive sediment microbial fuel cells (see “Projects and Participants” from 2020 to 2022 on this website), and explored environmental co-benefits of the fuel cells: specifically, the ability of the fuel cells to sequester phosphorous in sediments. Phosphorous and nitrogen are the two primary analytes of concern with respect to causing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and Florida is unfortunately at the heart and center of this issue. In 2022, we would like to either 1) continue to evaluate the ability of the fuel cells to stimulate phosphorous and/or nitrogen removal transformation and sequestration, or 2) continue to improve existing designs for fuel cell power improvements and autonomy (e.g. enhanced power generation and/or communications capabilities). We invite applications from students with backgrounds in environmental science, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines. Interns will have opportunities to participate in field work to collect samples for their devices and occasionally assist with other oceanographic research.