Electricity from Soil: Bacteria as Power Plants

16.04.2025

This project from a 16 year old girl presented at the State-Competition of JuFo explored how electroactive bacteria in filtered soil can be used to generate electricity. The setup involved a cylindrical container with a cathode and an anode placed in nutrient-rich soil, from which all unnecessary particles were removed. As the bacteria broke down organic matter for energy, they released electrons, which were captured and transferred through the electrodes to generate an electric current. This is similar to microbial fuel cell technology and shows how biological processes can power low-energy devices. The system is not only sustainable but also opens up possibilities for green energy generation in remote areas.