Online Microbial Fuel Cell Biofilm BOD Sensor

Monitoring of organic pollution in wastewater is a difficult challenge for the water treatment industry. Due to

infrequent sampling there is a high possibility that pollution could be discharged into the environment

undetected and lead to further problems downstream.

Bioelectrochemical sensing systems are an emerging technology which uses biofilms grown upon electrodes to

convert organic pollution into electricity. Based on the amount of electricity generated, the amount of organic

pollution can be determined. This approach can therefore be used to provide continuous online monitoring of

wastewaters in virtually real-time in comparison with existing measurements requiring 5 days.

The project will deliver a prototype sensor based on Bioelectrochemical Systems , capable of being retrofitted

to existing wastewater treatment plant infrastructure, in order to rapidly measure Biochemical Oxygen Demand

(organic pollution) and Toxicity.ublic Project Summary