Microbial Fuel Cell: Researchers Have Developed An Affordable, Renewable Power Source Using Urine

Power sources for electronic gadgets and devices are usually expensive and unfriendly to the environment. Fortunately, a research team at the University of Bath has developed an inexpensive, carbon-neutral and renewable power source for electricity. Through microbial fuel cells, urine can be used to generate power.

There's a reason it's called the "Dirt Lab." One of my soil microbial fuel cells is pumping out 35 microamps pic.twitter.com/rydyxf1XP9

— realscientists (@realscientists) April 19, 2016

"Renewable 'pee-power' is a brilliant idea and its use in developing countries will have huge positive impact on people's lives in areas of energy poverty," Dr. Tim Mays, University of Bath chemical engineering department head, said via Science Daily. "To have created technology that can potentially transform the lives of poor people who don't have access to, or cannot afford electricity, is an exciting prospect," lead author Jon Chouler added.

Aside from giving a cheaper and more accessible power source to people, the urine-powered fuel cell can also help protect the environment. This new technology can help reduce people's dependence on fossil fuels which can also lead to less greenhouse gas discharges.

Pee-power! Urine-powered battery offers cheap energy source. Amazing development in employing Microbial Fuel Cells. https://t.co/rwoNxjgYs5 — famidovo (@famidovo) April 19, 2016

The urine can be used as a power source through a microbial fuel cell. This fuel cell is responsible for transforming organic matter like urine into electricity sources. Using microbial fuel cells is very efficient and inexpensive and results in fewer waste materials compared to other methods of generating electricity.

The reason why microbial fuel cells are much cheaper than other electricity generating methods is that bacteria can be abundantly found in many places on Earth. "Because bacteria are found everywhere they can also survive anywhere, proving to be a strong and reliable energy source," Greeniacs explains.