What if we can make energy from wastewater? Clean energy alternative!

We are always looking for alternative ways to produce clean energy and decrease the amount of fossil fuel that is burned. We have found successful alternatives such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, but recently researchers have turned to a new alternative for producing energy. Every day we cycle water through our treatment plants circulating and filtrating the water from the sewage. Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology, are working on improving the efficiency of microbial fuel cells by using modified graphite felt. Primary results show that the new microbial fuel cells can generate 20 percent higher voltage than usual cells. (Technology, 2018)

In 1911 the idea that microorganisms could generate electricity was introduced, but was not investigated further until the 2000’s. Over the past two decades they determined that almost three-fourths of emissions, comes from humans burning fossil fuels. The decrease in fossil fuels, and increase pollution pushed scientists to look further into cleaner alternatives. During the search for an alternative by using microbial fuel cells, which is not only a cleanest source of energy, but also has a broad possibility of uses. "Microbial fuel production is probably the only technology, in which the electricity is being generated from oxidation of organic compounds in room temperature. In other words, there is no need to burn anything, and the process is not depending on sunlight," says Dr Kristina Kantmnien? researcher at KTU Faculty of Chemical Technology. (Technology, 2018)

According to the research they believe that they can use waste water to feed the organisms, clean the water, and create clean energy. The waste management systems would become self-sustaining ecosystems that are able to distribute energy back to the grid. Given the fact that the power source would creating energy the need to power the waste management sites would reversely produce power instead, creating a sustainable alternative to energy. (Technology, 2018)

With this advancement, we can work towards a clean renewable energy source, turning our waste into power. Harnessing the energy, without burning or the need for heat is a huge advancement in sustainable power. I hope to see further research and possible testing on the advancements of the process, to determine the amount of energy we can truly gain. We need more clean alternatives, while taking opportunities like these to clean our waist in a productive, and cleaner manner.

Bibliography

Technology, K. U. (2018). Wastewater treatment plants could generate electricity. Retrieved from Science daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180212125816.htm