Optimization study of a microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor

摘要

A microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor can be used to detect the water toxicity. High sensitivity is required for practical application. In this study, the configuration of MFC, detection time, substrate concentration, external resistance and anode material were optimized to obtain high sensitivity. The results showed that compared to double-chamber MFC, single-chamber MFC with a simpler structure and higher peak voltage, was easier to operate and more suitable for water quality monitoring. When using the single-chamber MFC to test water quality, the optimal detection time was 4h. The optimal substrate (NaAc) concentration was 0.5mg/mL and the sensitivity decreased with the NaAc concentration. The optimal external resistance was equal to the internal resistance. Anode materials had a significant effect on the sensitivity of MFC biosensor and MFC using carbon cloth as anode material had higher sensitivity than using layered corrugated carbon. In the optimum condition, the MFC biosensor could detect 0.1mg/L Cd2+ shock and lmg/L Cu2+ shock and could be developed for industrial wastewater monitoring.