1. Microbial Electrochemical Cells (MXCs) are a truly unique asset to Environmental Biotechnology within the context of sustainable resource recovery from wastes. Anode Respiring Bacteria (ARB) possess distinctive metabolic capabilities to oxidize organics present in wastes and transfer them to a solid electrode. They perform this step through a scientifically intriguing phenomenon called Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) which is a subject of intense study. These electrons then transfer through the electric circuit to the cathode, while the ions migrate through the ion exchange membrane to the cathode to ensure electroneutrality. The electrons at the cathode are used to reduce oxygen to water through targeted catalysis in a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) or undergo electrolysis with an extra boost through an external power source to produce hydrogen gas in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC). 

There are several limiting steps for successful MXC operation, ranging from EET to diffusion limitations of the substrate into the biofilm anode and protons away from the biofilm and enhancing coulombic efficiency from complex organics at the anode. Dr. Parameswaran is a co-Personal Investigator in a National Science Foundation (NSF) project funded under the Environmental Engineering program to study MXCs as tools to understand hydrolysis of particulate organics at a high temporal resolution.