Gardening to Generate Electricity

On the roof of the building Wageningen University research center in the province of Gelderland, the Netherlands, conducted research that is not common. At the edge of the roof visible two equilateral rectangular-shaped bathtub, each of which contains 12 plastic buckets filled with water and mud. In it the scientists cultivate various types of grasses and other aquatic plants. But not the cultivation of plants which became the main theme of this research at the University of Wageningen, but simbiose between plants and bacteria to generate energy.

David Strik, biochemistry expert who conducted the study explains, "We are here to have plants and bacteria that cooperate. The principle can be explained simply. Plants through photosynthesis produce carbon element, and continuing up to 40 percent of this organic element into the ground. There live various micro-organisms, bacteria and fungi that live off the organic elements of plants. We make a biological battery, by putting the two electrodes, at locations where the bacteria grow and to produce electricity. "

Scientists in the Netherlands were to apply the knowledge that has been half a century old. Namely, all the organisms in the digestive process, or rather in the burning of glucose in the body, generating electrical energy is weak. The majority are used for the body's own metabolic processes.

However, in bacteria occurs different things. Usually these bacteria release electrical energy to the oxygen in the air. In an-aerobic conditions or no oxygen, the bacteria will look for other elements to receive an excessive discharge of electrical energy from the digestion. The process was discovered by scientists from the University of Greifswald several years ago. They then develop a so-called microbial fuel cells MFC.

Bacteria in microbial fuel cells alive in a solution containing foodstuffs. Two electrodes inserted into it. Bacteria only an excessive release of electrical energy directly to the negative pole or anode. Electricity can now be channeled. However, in microbial fuel cells MFC also apply the argument, the output can not be greater than the input. In other words, for electricity supply stable and continuous progress, the bacteria continuously fed emotion. This is the task of grass is planted in the bucket that is placed on the roof of Wageningen university. Plants grown in the solution of food, and ensuring a continuous supply of glucose.

"What we make, is basically a natural solar energy plant cells. Plants absorb solar energy, and pass them on to bacteria that in turn produce electricity. So we supplied electricity 24 hours a day. If the bacteria is still there, electricity continues to be produced. Winter Last year, everything freezes and the whole system is not functioning. But soon after melting anymore, electricity back there, "explained David Strik.

However, electricity generation capacity to fluctuate slightly, depending on the day, weather and type of plants. For each type of plant life that trigger requirements vary for the bacteria. The electric power generated by its biggest-ever type of grass that normally grows on the banks of rivers or water areas. The researchers observed, as well as rice plants are generating energy that is good enough.

"Every square meter is currently producing 0.2 watts. We think that within three years into the future can be realized evocation of three watts per square meter. What can we do with it? Three watts is the proper power, needed to replenish me Funny, "said David Strik.

Energy researchers also gave the following description of the use of weak electric currents generated MFC microbial biofuel cell. For example, to operate the lighting of LED light emission diode. David Strik confirmed, he will market and sell the results of this research and development. He has taken over the patent of Wageningen University and founded a small private company called Plant-E. Plan size is, the entire surface of the roof planted with vegetation Univerisat Wageningen, to be able to generate electricity. David said, if it materialized, then for the first time most of green electricity produced in the world.