Bacteria create energy and purify waste water

A team of Australian researchers created a system that allows cleaning wastewater from a brewery by using energy-generating bacteria.

The group of scientists led by Professor Jurg Keller of the University of Queensland has been studying for many years to build a 'fuel cell battery'. Normally, fuel cells operate by reducing oxidizing chemical reactions that generate electricity.

(Photo: HTV) In the experimental device invented by Professor Keller and his colleagues, the bacteria have the ability to transfer electrons to the positive electrode of the battery after destroying organic matter in waste water like sugar. , starch, alcohol.

These electrons are derived from the normalization of normal anaerobic bacteria that supply energy to the body. In the second compartment of the battery, oxygen reacts when the negative electrode contacts the newly transferred electrons to supply water. The common reaction creates an electric current.

This new technique has raised the interest of Foster Brewery in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, to treat a portion of wastewater. The prototype battery will be installed in September and will have a capacity of 2kW per day, enough to power a private home. In addition to the water purification process, this system can generate electricity although not significant.

After being treated, water can be filtered and reused by the plant (but not for beer production). In the beginning, the battery will use 2,500 liters of 2.5 million liters of wastewater per day of the plant.

This device will be presented at an international conference on bioenergy, held in late September in Brisbane.

VN