Electricity generation in sediment plant microbial fuel cells (SPMFC) in warm climates using Typha domingensis Pers.

Wetlands are ecosystems rich in organic matter due to the high biomass of vegetation that characterize them. This organic matter could be used as a substrate in devices to generate electricity through Sediment Plant Microbial Fuel Cells (SPMFC). In this study we applied the SPMFC concept adapted to Typha domingensis Pers., a typical wetland plant. SPMFCs were constructed with glass cells and graphite electrodes under natural environmental conditions. Electrical current production was 47.9 ± 10.98 mA/m2 with 6.12 ± 2.53 mW/m2 power (data normalized to plant growth area). Trials were performed using an electrical motor (CEBEK 0.7V and 10 mA) which moved a cardboard propeller for 15 min intervals during 6 days.