Harnessing Synergy of Microbial and Plant-Based Systems for Enhanced Bioelectricity Generation in Sustainable Power Systems

Abstract

The exploration of sustainable and renewable energy sources parallels the computational modeling and simulation of biological systems, both driven by the increasing energy demands of modern society. One promising area of research is the utilization of microorganisms for electricity generation, leveraging their inherent metabolic processes. This study investigates two innovative approaches: Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) and Plant Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs). MFCs harness the electron transfer capabilities of certain bacteria to generate electricity directly from organic matter. This bio-electrochemical system offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of energy production. However, the performance of MFCs can be enhanced by incorporating plant-based systems, leading to the development of PMFCs. In this research, we introduce a novel PMFC design based on the Aloe vera plant, which demonstrates improved stability and increased bioelectricity generation compared to traditional PMFCs. We evaluate the impact of incorporating plants and compost on bioenergy production in PMFCs and present an automated testing framework for the electrical characterization of these systems. By harnessing the synergy between microorganisms and plant systems, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts in developing clean and sustainable energy solutions. The proposed approaches not only address the depletion of fossil resources but also mitigate environmental degradation, aligning with the global sustainability goals.