Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p026.shtml <- I'm doing this project but i dont have access to a stream is there any way i can use something else besides mud from a stream to do this project? Also since a project has to be repeated at least 2-3 does that mean i much purchase 3x the materials needed to conduct the experiment once?

Hi,

The answers to most of your questions are actually contained in the project writeup you referenced. The Bibliography section contains a reference to this page of Bruce Logan’s fabulous website on microbial fuel cells:

http://www.engr.psu.edu/ce/enve/logan/b ... _guide.htm

Material note 3 near the bottom of the web page link above gives alternative sources to stream mud to get the organisms to run the fuel cell:

“3Bacteria for a MFC can be obtained from several sources. A sample of wastewater from a local wastewater treatment plant would contain the proper microorganisms. Some locations at the plant may be better than others for obtaining the proper organisms. Animal wastewater from a farm would also work. Anaerobic benthic sediments in a creek or lake would also be likely to contain the proper organisms.”

Explore the rest of the site pages to find lots of other tips and advice on this subject. Professor Logan of Pennsylvania State University is one of the leading world experts in this interesting field.

Good Luck!!!

Barrett L. Tomlinson