Understanding the proliferation of bacteria across anode surfaces in microbial fuel cells (MFCs).

ABSTRACT: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a promising alternative for sustainable wastewater treatment and energy recovery. However, the mechanisms underpinning electrogenic biofilm formation remain poorly understood. This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of microbial community assembly using a novel multi-electrode MFC design under two substrate conditions: acetate and starch. Pre-inoculation of three designated electrodes led to successful current generation within 110 h in both MFCs, while a dispersed inoculation strategy failed to establish electrogenic biofilms despite equivalent inoculum volume. Electrode positioning significantly influenced start-up, with vertical alignment above inoculated electrodes facilitating faster colonisation and current generation than lateral s

SUBMITTER: Bird H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12689808 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature