The Technology of Microbial Fuel Cells: A Promising Approach Toward Simultaneous and Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Bioelectricity Generation

Abstract

Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a dual-edged technology which combines wastewater treatment with power generation. The chemical energy present in the organic matter of wastewater is usually transformed into electricity in MFCs through the action of electroactive bacteria on electrodes which act as catalysts. The MFC technology has piqued the interest of numerous researchers since it has the unique capability for wastewater treatment while concurrently generating some bioelectricity. When compared with traditional energy sources, MFCs have various advantages over other wastewater treatment processes, such as the trickling filter method and the  commonly employed activated sludge process. These advantages include but are not limited to low energy requirements, low or no production of hazardous products, and mild reaction conditions. As a result, this wastewater treatment process is both cost-effective and long-term. The various designs of MFCs, electrode materials, and various wastewaters (substrates) that electrogenic bacteria could utilize are discussed in this work. The review gave succinct information on the components of microbial fuel cells, their operations as well as the stability and sustainability of the fuel cell systems.