Generation of Electricity from the Dead Sea Mud by Using Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)

Abstract

Electricity was generated from the Dead Sea mud through constructing and operating microbial fuel cells(MFC's) that use geobacter, a very efficient type of  bacteria. Carbon graphite electrodes were used in these batteries since carbon can withstand tough conditions of high or cold temperature and corrosion. The Dead Sea mud contains organic and inorganic materials that are suitable for geobacteria to decompose through anaerobic respiration.

For the first MFC, 4 electrodes were used in a trial to increase the surface contact area with microorganisms and then to accelerate the transfer of electrons. Electricity was generated and measured as voltage, 0.32 V was recorded on day 6. For the second MFC, 10 electrodes were used and the maximum voltage value was 0.653 V recorded on day 14. For the third MFC, 15 electrodes were used ina trial and the maximum voltage output was 0.74 V measured on day 17.

The second and third batteries were connected in series. For this combination, the measured output voltage was 1.19 V and the efficiency of connection was 86%. Also, the first, second, and third batteries were connected in series. The measured output voltage was 1.45 V and the efficiency of the connection was 88%.

Keywords: Microbial fuel cells, Geobacter, Graphite electrodes, Efficiency, Electricity.