Grantee Research Project Results

Microbial Desalination Fuel Cell as a Sustainable Technology for Renewable Water and Power

EPA Grant Number: SU836030
Title: Microbial Desalination Fuel Cell as a Sustainable Technology for Renewable Water and Power
Investigators: Jiang, Sunny C. , Gellers, Joshua C. , Jeung, Matthew K. , Glenn, Errol M. , Tseng, Linda Y. , Lim, Keah Ying , Katebian, Leda , Jiang, Luman , Sobhani, Reza , Huang, Siqian , Huang, Xiao , Wu, Yanwen
Current Investigators: Jiang, Sunny C. , Gellers, Joshua C. , Jeung, Matthew K. , Glenn, Errol M. , Tseng, Linda Y. , Lim, Keah Ying , Karmen, Andrew , Y.Orellana, Dean , Katebian, Leda , Jiang, Luman , Huang, Siqian , Tu, Tiffany , Huang, Xiao , Wu, Yanwen
Institution: University of California - Irvine
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2011 through August 14, 2012
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2011) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities

Objective:

The proposal objective is to design a microbial desalination fuel cell (MDFC) as a pretreatment to the current seawater desalination plant that will provide sustainable freshwater supply for human consumption at minimal energy cost. This will be achieved through the MDFC’s innovative abilities to desalinate seawater and generate energy to sustain the long-term prosperity of people and environment.

Approach:

The MDFC combines the recent development of Microbial Fuel Cell research with the traditional electrodialysis membranes to remove salts from seawater while generate electrical energy at the expenses of microbial metabolic activity and organic wastes. This technology reduces the cost of seawater desalination for drinking water production, reduces pollution and waste emissions, and serves as an educational model to the public on the innovative technology to sustain people and environment.

Expected Results:

The final MDFC would result in optimal energy and desalination cost reduction. This will be achieved and demonstrated by its life-cycle assessment, prototypes, and pilot scale models.

Supplemental Keywords:

Life cycle analysis, cost benefit assessment, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO), membrane treatment technology, environmental education, decision-making, alternative energy source, renewable energy, renewable fuel, fuel cells, water purification technology, drinking water treatment technologies;

Progress and Final Reports:

Final Report