'Harvesting Electrical Energy from Tilapia Fish gill (Oreochromis niloticus) Using MFC

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The study focused on a bio-electrochemical system that drives an electric current using bacteria and mimicking bacterial interactions found in nature, which is called MFC or Microbial Fuel Cell. It will be a great solution to those who have been struggling about their electric bills, mostly under privileged citizens. It aims to find easier and more reusable processes of decaying such kind of waste materials, like fish gills. It can be a way to find out an alternative source of energy, using waste fish gills. Studies have indicated that, decomposing this kind of waste can somehow be a cause of diseases, including fever. The great purpose of the study is to look for answers to the following problems in such affordable way.

METHODS

The study was conducted to produce electricity from a prototype microbial fuel cell. The device is composed of two tube cell, the first one is sludge having the waste material about one fourth kilogram, wherein the waste material (tilapia gills) has undergone the process of decaying, and contains nutrients and organic matter including Shewanella oneidensis (positive). The second tube cell, having the salt directly proportional with the first tube cell, was used to work as an electron acceptor.

RESULTS

Results of investigation shows that the amount of electrical energy produced by the set up was 6.3 V and that this electrical energy was enough to power a small light bulb.

DISCUSSIONS

The results shows that the prototype of microbial fuel cell with fish gills and sludge can harvest enough energy to light a single bulb. And if this study continues the greater amount of gills that will be used, the lesser the garbage we might have and also the stronger power of electricity you may harvest. This prototype proves that even waste materials can be a powerful source of electricity that can use in our daily lives.