Ekaete Utuk
Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons using sediment microbial fuel cells.
Email: e.o.utuk2@ncl.ac.uk
Project title
Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons using sediment microbial fuel cells
Supervisors
- School of Engineering
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Project description
Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC) are a type of bio-electrochemical system (BES). I will develop an SMFC for bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
I will cultivate and use enriched biofilms to improve hydrocarbon removal efficiency. I will study the biofilm’s tolerance towards these compounds.
I will use different sources of inoculum for biofilm enrichment. I will use a biodegradable surfactant to enhance the hydrocarbon bioavailability. This will increase the tolerance of the biofilm.
I will consider cost-effective electrode material, such as stainless steel. We could use such materials in SMFC configurations for enhancing the rate of removal of petroleum hydrocarbon. I will use a variety of tests to understand the electron transfer mechanism at the bioanode and power output of the SMFC.
Microbial community analysis will provide further insights. I will investigate the mechanism and pathways of bacterial communities in degradation.
The research will explain the kinetics and dynamics of hydrocarbon biodegradation in SMFC. It will also highlight SMFC performance optimisation for biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons using suitable materials and bioreactor configurations.
Publications
- Velasquez-Orta S, Utuk E, Spurr M. Microbial fuel cell sensors for water and wastewater monitoring. In: Microbial Electrochemical Technologies. CRC Press, 2018. In Press.
Interests
Fashion designing, travelling, voluntary work
Qualifications
- BSc Biochemistry, University of Uyo, Nigeria
- MSc Environmental Biogeochemistry, Newcastle University, UK