Family Geobacteraceae Phylum Proteobacteria | Class Deltaproteobacteria Genus Geopsychrobacter Rank Species | |
Similar Geothrix fermentans, Rhodoferax, Pelobacter, Desulfobulbus propionicus, Geobacter metallireducens | ||
Geopsychrobacter electrodiphilus is a species of bacteria, the type species of its genus. It is a psychrotolerant member of its family, capable of attaching to the anodes of sediment fuel cells and harvesting electricity by hydrolysis of carbon molecules found in organic compounds to oxygen and transferring the electrons to the anode. This bacteria also breaks down plant matter releasing hydrogen into the atmosphere and possibly methane gas. Its type species is A1T (ATCC BAA-880T; DSM 16401T; JCM 12469).
Interaction with Anodes
This bacteria is naturally found underground in water streams and in swamps where plant matter can easily reach it. The bacteria lives on metal and to do so it releases electrons into the metal. Bacteria cannot live on most heavy metals but the release of electrons help counter Oligodynamic effect. These bacteria are 1-3 micro meters in length.