Exoelectrogenic activity of hydrocarbonoclastic strains

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are a new, innovative technology for bioremediation purposes. In bioremediation, MFCs have been used to achieve the oxidation of organic matter at the anode. Bacterial metabolism can be stimulated in a MFC when an overpotential is applied. The aim of this work was to test the exoelectrogenic capacity of five hydrocarbonoclastic strains of the genera Cupriavidus and Pseudomonas and to determinate if the application of overpotential stimulates the bacterial metabolism. Current density, turbidity and carbon source were monitored. Three of the five strains showed exoelectrogenic activity. Moreover, the application of different overpontentials showed an increase in current production, bacterial growth and substrate consumption.