PLANT MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS: THE CURRENT STATE AND POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Phyto-treatment engineering structures have recently found wide application in the biotechnology of wastewater treatment. Currently, it is important to study and use the possibility of bioelectric power generation, as well as develop energy-efficient hybrid technologies based on plant-microbial fuel cells. The purpose of the study is to summarize information on the ability of plant organisms to generate bioelectric potentials and to create plant-fuel cells as a component of an integrated phytotechnology for wastewater treatment in Eastern Siberia. The article shows applications of phytotechnologies for wastewater treatment using a system of algae, higher aquatic vegetation, microorganisms in different climatic zones, including the Arctic. These technologies have been implemented in China, where dozens of such facilities are annually built. The article describes the designs of plant-microbial fuel cells (PMFC), the electrogenic activity of s plants and microorganisms, promising areas for the use of microbial fuel cells, PMFC as power sources for small devices, sensors for early detection of water pollution. Design solutions for creating RMFC batteries for the neutralization of soils contaminated with antibiotics are presented.