Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Mi-Hy (Microbial Hydroponics: Circular Sustainable Electrobiosynthesis)
Période du rapport: 2023-11-01 au 2024-10-31
Mi-Hy is a groundbreaking platform combining Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology with hydroponics to create a circular, sustainable system for urban agriculture. By integrating carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus metabolism, it optimizes nutrient use and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers. Its innovative "prosthetic rhizosphere" employs microbial communities to enhance plant nutrition while recycling household wastewater and atmospheric CO2 into valuable outputs like food and animal feed. Additionally, the system generates renewable electricity, further boosting its sustainability.
The project is executed in two phases: initial system characterization (Phase 1) and integration with Microbial Electrolysis Cells (Phase 2), allowing scalability and diverse applications. Mi-Hy supports Industry 5.0 goals, using IoT and big data for precise nitrogen management and sustainable farming. It addresses environmental challenges by reducing nitrogen pollution, enhancing soil health, and lowering carbon footprints while delivering economic benefits like cost savings and new revenue streams.
Mi-Hy also fosters community engagement through art, design, and architecture to raise awareness and drive adoption. Prototyping, exhibitions, Maker Faires, and educational outreach ensure the project is relatable and promotes eco-friendly practices. Supported by the ACORN booster grant, Mi-Hy is developing strategies to market its solutions effectively, aiming to transform urban agriculture and drive innovation in nutrient management and bioelectrical systems.
As a platform for the 4th agricultural revolution, Mi-Hy envisions sustainable food systems and urban living, offering a scalable, impactful solution for modern environmental and societal challenges.
The project is executed in two phases: initial system characterization (Phase 1) and integration with Microbial Electrolysis Cells (Phase 2), allowing scalability and diverse applications. Mi-Hy supports Industry 5.0 goals, using IoT and big data for precise nitrogen management and sustainable farming. It addresses environmental challenges by reducing nitrogen pollution, enhancing soil health, and lowering carbon footprints while delivering economic benefits like cost savings and new revenue streams.
Mi-Hy also fosters community engagement through art, design, and architecture to raise awareness and drive adoption. Prototyping, exhibitions, Maker Faires, and educational outreach ensure the project is relatable and promotes eco-friendly practices. Supported by the ACORN booster grant, Mi-Hy is developing strategies to market its solutions effectively, aiming to transform urban agriculture and drive innovation in nutrient management and bioelectrical systems.
As a platform for the 4th agricultural revolution, Mi-Hy envisions sustainable food systems and urban living, offering a scalable, impactful solution for modern environmental and societal challenges.
WP1: MFC Development and Testing
Fabricated two MFC modules (40 units), producing 1.2 L liquid fertilizer/48 h from 2.5 L untreated sewage.
Delivered ~30 L fertilizer to WP2 for hydroponics testing.
Demonstrated MFC operation at Mi-Hy workshop; achieved average power outputs of 1 mW (synthetic urine) and 0.85 mW (sewage).
WP2: Hydroponics System Development
Established hydroponics systems with full control over light spectrum and nitrogen supply.
Collaborated with WP3 on plant root exudates and WP4 on digital modeling.
Developed protocols for evaluating biofilm performance and provided data for WP4.
WP3: Microbial Optimization
Designed MFC medium using artificial urine, nutrient solution, and basil exudates.
Identified Ophiostoma piceae as a biofilm enhancer, boosting electroactivity in microbial consortia.
Refined techniques for microbial growth and data collection.
WP4: Digital Modeling
Integrated experimental data to create initial system models and descriptors for performance logic.
Outlined recommendations for phased implementation and developed foundational models for system specifications.
WP5: Dissemination and Communication
Developed the project website, CSIP, and "Virtual Lab Protocol" for coordination.
Showcased outcomes via the public XENO installation.
WP6: Project Coordination
Delivered all management tasks on schedule, including strategic plans and kick-off meeting organization.
WP7: Networking and Collaborations
Built partnerships with MINICOR, HYDROCOW, SUPERVAL, and ICONIC.
Secured ACORN funding to expand project impact.
Fabricated two MFC modules (40 units), producing 1.2 L liquid fertilizer/48 h from 2.5 L untreated sewage.
Delivered ~30 L fertilizer to WP2 for hydroponics testing.
Demonstrated MFC operation at Mi-Hy workshop; achieved average power outputs of 1 mW (synthetic urine) and 0.85 mW (sewage).
WP2: Hydroponics System Development
Established hydroponics systems with full control over light spectrum and nitrogen supply.
Collaborated with WP3 on plant root exudates and WP4 on digital modeling.
Developed protocols for evaluating biofilm performance and provided data for WP4.
WP3: Microbial Optimization
Designed MFC medium using artificial urine, nutrient solution, and basil exudates.
Identified Ophiostoma piceae as a biofilm enhancer, boosting electroactivity in microbial consortia.
Refined techniques for microbial growth and data collection.
WP4: Digital Modeling
Integrated experimental data to create initial system models and descriptors for performance logic.
Outlined recommendations for phased implementation and developed foundational models for system specifications.
WP5: Dissemination and Communication
Developed the project website, CSIP, and "Virtual Lab Protocol" for coordination.
Showcased outcomes via the public XENO installation.
WP6: Project Coordination
Delivered all management tasks on schedule, including strategic plans and kick-off meeting organization.
WP7: Networking and Collaborations
Built partnerships with MINICOR, HYDROCOW, SUPERVAL, and ICONIC.
Secured ACORN funding to expand project impact.
We are still in the first year of the project development and potential IP is described in the Innovation Radar document.