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Applied Bioelectrochemistry: Plastic Degradation and Energy Generation Using Klebsiella oxytoca in Microbial Fuel Cells
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This study used microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with Klebsiella oxytoca to simultaneously degrade plastic waste and generate bioelectricity, achieving peak voltage of 0.714 V and a maximum power density of 11.391 mW/cm² on day 28. FTIR analysis confirmed polymer structural modifications and SEM revealed surface cracks indicative of biodegradation, demonstrating potential for coupled plastic remediation and renewable energy production.
Plastic pollution remains a critical global environmental challenge, with conventional disposal methods contributing to ecosystem degradation. Simultaneously, energy scarcity affects numerous rural communities, limiting development opportunities. This study presents an innovative approach that integrates microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with Klebsiella oxytoca to simultaneously degrade plastic waste and generate bioelectricity. The monitoring results over 40 days revealed optimal performance on day 28, with a peak voltage of 0.714 ± 0.026 V and an electric current of 3.149 ± 0.124 mA. The biocatalyst exhibited an electrical conductivity of 140.466 ± 5.180 mS/cm and an oxidation-reduction potential of 109.519 ± 5.35 mV, indicating efficient electron transfer. Furthermore, the MFCs achieved a maximum power density of 11.391 ± 0.814 mW/cm2 with a current density of 5.106 mA/cm2, demonstrating their potential for sustainable energy production. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed structural modifications in the plastic, with decreased vibrational peaks indicative of polymer degradation. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed porosity and surface cracks, highlighting Klebsiella oxytoca’s biodegradation capacity. These findings establish the viability of bioelectrochemical systems for simultaneous waste remediation and renewable energy generation, paving the way for scalable applications in environmental biotechnology. By coupling microbial degradation with electricity production, this research supports the development of sustainable solutions aligned with the principles of circular economy and climate change mitigation.
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Fungifuels: Polyethylene Decomposition and Electricity Generation with Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis in Microbial Fuel Cell Systems
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This study evaluated Aspergillus ochraceopetaliformis in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for simultaneous polyethylene biodegradation and bioelectricity generation, achieving a maximum voltage of 0.921 V and power density of 0.148 mW/cm² on day 26. FTIR analysis confirmed structural modifications in treated polyethylene, and MFCs connected in series successfully powered an LED bulb at 2.78 V, demonstrating the feasibility of using this fungus for integrated plastic waste management and energy generation.
Electricity Generation and Plastic Waste Reduction Using the Fungus Paecilomyces as a Biodegrader in Microbial Fuel Cells
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Researchers demonstrated that the fungus Paecilomyces can simultaneously generate electricity and break down plastic waste in microbial fuel cells. The system produced measurable voltage and current while reducing chemical oxygen demand by over 85%, and infrared spectroscopy confirmed degradation of the plastic material, suggesting a dual-purpose approach to waste reduction and energy generation.
Using dual chamber microbial fuel cells for coupled microplastic biodegradation and bioelectricity production: assessing the effect of substrate
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Researchers investigated using dual-chamber microbial fuel cells to simultaneously biodegrade PET microplastics and generate bioelectricity. The study found that microbial consortia in the fuel cell setup could break down microplastics while producing usable electrical energy, offering a potentially sustainable approach to microplastic remediation in wastewater treatment.
Sustainable Use of the Fungus Aspergillus sp. to Simultaneously Generate Electricity and Reduce Plastic through Microbial Fuel Cells
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Researchers investigated using the fungus Aspergillus sp. as a substrate in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to simultaneously generate electricity and degrade polyethylene plastic over 45 days. The MFCs reached peak values of 0.572 V and 3.608 mA on day 31, achieved 73.77% chemical oxygen demand reduction, and FTIR analysis showed a measurable reduction in characteristic polyethylene C-H peaks alongside visible surface perforations in the plastic.
The Exploitation of Single-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells for PET Removal in Water
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Researchers investigated microbial fuel cells for simultaneous PET degradation and electricity generation, finding that co-cultures of Ideonella sakaiensis with either Geobacter sulfurreducens or activated sludge in single-chamber systems achieved measurable reductions in PET particle size and mass while producing bioelectricity.
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