New research from the University of Pennsylvania and Tsinghua University in China shows that bacteria can turn dirty saline water into drinking water and generate electricity.
The study shows a new direction for the development of microbial fuel cells. In the past, microbial fuel cells were often used to generate electricity or store electricity in the form of hydrogen or methane.
According to the Discovery Channel report, Bruce Logan, a University of Pennsylvania scientist, said that microbial fuel cells can turn organic waste into an energy source. Logan and other authors publish a related paper in Environmental Science and Technology (Environmental Science and Technology). Logan said: "In this latest discovery, we believe that we can dilute brine by changing the power generation of microbes."
Researchers first collect samples from ponds or other natural waters. Among the millions of microorganisms in the sample, some bacteria (which scientists have not yet identified) will automatically generate electrons and protons in their cells and transport them outside the body. Other bacteria absorb these electrons and protons and use them as "fuels" for the creation of energy substances such as hydrogen, methane, and other chemicals.
The researchers found that using two special plastic films can use the energy generated by these microbes. This membrane can separate electrons, ions, or gases generated by microorganisms and allow them to flow to the cathode or the anode, respectively. The cathode, anode and film are assembled in a transparent plastic box like a small tissue box. With the addition of a glass of water between the membranes, bacteria begin to work and eventually produce water with 90% purity.
The purity of water can be adjusted according to scientific or commercial needs, and can even reach drinking water standards. Microbial fuel cells can remove most of the salinity in the water, and because this process can reduce power consumption, it can also reduce the cost of water desalination.
Liu Hong, an Oregon State University who is also studying microbial fuel cells, said: “This is the first time that humans have used microbial fuel cells for desalination, regardless of the salinity of the treated water.â€
Liu Hong thinks: "Using this method basically does not require energy input; if you artificially add organic materials to the battery, you can even generate energy."
Currently, microbial fuel cells are limited to laboratories whether they are desalinating water, generating electricity, or producing hydrogen, methane, or other gases. This situation will change next month. Logan and his colleagues installed a large microbial fuel cell near a winery and plan to convert the waste water it produces into hydrogen.
Logan said: "At present, this is just a demonstration project. But ultimately, the winery will be able to use the electricity generated by microbial fuel cells to drive cars, forklifts and other vehicles."
The study shows a new direction for the development of microbial fuel cells. In the past, microbial fuel cells were often used to generate electricity or store electricity in the form of hydrogen or methane.
According to the Discovery Channel report, Bruce Logan, a University of Pennsylvania scientist, said that microbial fuel cells can turn organic waste into an energy source. Logan and other authors publish a related paper in Environmental Science and Technology (Environmental Science and Technology). Logan said: "In this latest discovery, we believe that we can dilute brine by changing the power generation of microbes."
Researchers first collect samples from ponds or other natural waters. Among the millions of microorganisms in the sample, some bacteria (which scientists have not yet identified) will automatically generate electrons and protons in their cells and transport them outside the body. Other bacteria absorb these electrons and protons and use them as "fuels" for the creation of energy substances such as hydrogen, methane, and other chemicals.
The researchers found that using two special plastic films can use the energy generated by these microbes. This membrane can separate electrons, ions, or gases generated by microorganisms and allow them to flow to the cathode or the anode, respectively. The cathode, anode and film are assembled in a transparent plastic box like a small tissue box. With the addition of a glass of water between the membranes, bacteria begin to work and eventually produce water with 90% purity.
The purity of water can be adjusted according to scientific or commercial needs, and can even reach drinking water standards. Microbial fuel cells can remove most of the salinity in the water, and because this process can reduce power consumption, it can also reduce the cost of water desalination.
Liu Hong, an Oregon State University who is also studying microbial fuel cells, said: “This is the first time that humans have used microbial fuel cells for desalination, regardless of the salinity of the treated water.â€
Liu Hong thinks: "Using this method basically does not require energy input; if you artificially add organic materials to the battery, you can even generate energy."
Currently, microbial fuel cells are limited to laboratories whether they are desalinating water, generating electricity, or producing hydrogen, methane, or other gases. This situation will change next month. Logan and his colleagues installed a large microbial fuel cell near a winery and plan to convert the waste water it produces into hydrogen.
Logan said: "At present, this is just a demonstration project. But ultimately, the winery will be able to use the electricity generated by microbial fuel cells to drive cars, forklifts and other vehicles."
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