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The benthic microbial fuel cell (BMFC) generates power by coupling oxidation of fuels naturally residing in marine sediments with reduction of oxygen in overlying waters. A central feature of BMFCs is spontaneous colonization of the anode by mineral-reducing microorganisms indigenous to marine sediments that catalyze the power-generating anodic reactions. Described here is a preliminary investigation of how the anode potential affects this feature. Different oxidative potentials were applied to a set of anodes under conditions known to promote anode enrichment of acetate oxidizing/mineral reducing microorganisms. In-situ analysis of current, acetate consumption, and reducing ability of the anode colonies suggest that the microorganisms conserve a significant portion (as much as 95%) of potential energy liberated from oxidation of acetate and reduction of the anode for their own metabolic benefit. The …