IDENTIFYING CONTROLS ON THE BIODEGRADATION OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER TO INFORM MICROBIAL FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS

Author

• Lily N. O'Hagan, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Open Access Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biological Sciences (MS)

Administrative Home Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Advisor 1

Amy Marcarelli

Committee Member 1

Stephen Techtmann

Committee Member 2

Juliana D’Andrilli

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) harness dissolved organic matter (DOM) biodegradation to generate power. To evaluate effects of DOM source, nutrients (nitrate and phosphate), and oxygen on DOM biodegradation, we conducted 4-day DOM biodegradation experiments with water and sediments from the Chesapeake Bay. Compared to soil-derived DOM, algal-derived DOM composition changed more and nearly doubled carbon dioxide (CO₂) production, peak CO₂ rates, and carbon removal, indicating MFC site selection should target regions with algal-rich DOM. Aerobic conditions increased CO₂ production by ca. 16%, doubled peak CO₂ rates, and reached peak rates 1 hour faster than anaerobic conditions, highlighting that anoxic conditions in MFCs will lower DOM biodegradation efficiency. Nutrient additions had few significant effects on DOM biodegredation, but nitrate additions under anaerobic conditions shortened time to peak CO₂ rates, suggesting that nutrient additions may not be required to improve DOM biodegradation and that certain nutrients may decrease energy production in MFCs.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

O'Hagan, Lily N., "IDENTIFYING CONTROLS ON THE BIODEGRADATION OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER TO INFORM MICROBIAL FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS", Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2026.

https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/etdr/2162