Harnessing the Power of Bacteria

Authors

Scott T. King, USAF, Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight CommanderFollow
Willie F. Harper Jr., Air Force Institute of TechnologyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2016

Abstract

The idea of using bacteria as a power source to run large infrastructure systems may sound like science-fiction. However, an emerging technology is slowly making this concept a reality. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology represents one of the latest methods in renewable energy production. An MFC uses the oxidizing (degrading) properties of bacteria to convert organic matter to electricity. This is significant since the need for renewable energy sources will constantly be on the rise as alternatives to fossil fuels are investigated in order to meet global energy demands.

Comments

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DOI

JSTOR:26354595

Source Publication

The Military Engineer

Recommended Citation

King, S. T., & Harper, W. F. (2016). Harnessing the Power of Bacteria. The Military Engineer, 108(700), 67–68.