Microbial Fuel Cells for Animal Manure Treatment

The United States produces over 58 million tons of animal manure every year. These wastes pose a significant risk of environmental damage and human disease if not treated. However, most treatment methods are themselves either energy intensive or environmentally harmful. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to optimize and 
commercialize a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) capable of generating electricity while cleaning animal wastes. Microbial Fuel Cells represent a disruptive option in the waste-to-energy space, promising faster treatment while reversing the energy balance and generating a high-value product in the form of electricity. Proposed Phase I experiments will optimize components in our proprietary architecture in preparation for detailed design and construction of a scaled pilot plant in later commercialization phases.