Abstract

Microbial fuel cells may be used as an organic alternative energy source. This is important because they could provide another option for the production of clean electricity and help reduce environmental contaminants by replacing fossil fuels. Microbial fuel cells, unlike fossil fuels, can utilize natural resources to produce energy without increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). In my experiment, I took benthic mud and water from two different sources: Salt Pond (Frederiksted, St. Croix) and Salt River (Mid Island, St. Croix). I then assembled the fuel cell containers along with the salt bridges and electrodes. Upon completion of the cells I began measuring the voltage (volts) twice a day at 7:00 A.M and 7:00 P.M for 30 days. Three (3) trials were conducted for each sample type. I hypothesized that the Salt Pond cells would produce more energy (when compared to Salt River) since the Salt Pond contains more bacteria and waste than the ocean. The results showed that the Salt Pond was more steady and consistent when compared to Salt River. Salt Pond kept a moderate production going while the Salt River production was erratic. One produced a lot of voltage, one was moderate, while the other produced none. This told me that the Salt Pond sediment is a better choice for a fuel cell in terms of consistency and reliability because the Salt River fuel cell is more of a wild card.