Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are devices that produce electricity through oxidation of organic matter in sediments using microorganisms which act as biocatalysts in anode. In the present study, the cathode resistances in an aerated-cathode SMFC were investigated when aeration was stopped. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was carried out to determine the resistances. Total resistance and mass transfer resistance of 984.1 and 953 Ω, respectively, were obtained in the SMFC when aeration was stopped. Findings revealed that mass transfer resistance was significantly high without aeration, demonstrating the sigificant contribution of presence of sufficient electron acceptor to the decrease in mass transfer resistance of cathode.

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