A microbial fuel cell-based biosensor for the detection of toxic components in water

<span id="_ctl1_WeverContentPlaceholder1"><span class="content">In a microbial fuel cell bacteria produce electricity. When water with a constant quality is lead passed the bacteria, a constant current will be measured. When toxic components enter the cell with the water, the bacteria are affected and this will show as a decrease in current. In this way a microbial fuel cell can act as a sensor for toxic components in water. The research focused on the control of the sensor to reach a sensitive sensor. This was done by controlling the potential of the anode, on which the bacteria grow, using different methods and different values. Also it was found that by performing a dynamic type of measurement, a distinction could be made between different classes of components. Although sensitivity still has to be improved, a microbial fuel cell-based biosensor seems a promising technology in an early warning system detecting generic toxicity. </span>