Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi I am starting my project with the Microbial Fuel Cell. I am having some difficulty with bethenaic (my spelling is probably incorrect) mud sample. What do you mean by beheanic? Is it just any old mud from a stream, or something else? Also are there materials that I can substitute into my project that would lower the cost?
Thanks,
Sameer

Hi,

The Bibliography section of the Science Buddies Microbial Fuel Cell writeup 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 building microbial fuel cells on the cheap. Professor Logan of Pennsylvania State University is one of the leading world experts in this interesting field.

Good Luck and have fun with the project!!!

Barrett L. Tomlinson