Microbial fuel cell in industrial wastewater: treatment processes and resource recovery

Abstract

Wastewater treatment is a high-cost, energy-intensive procedure due to the vast volumes of water that must be treated, which are mostly created by human activities and various businesses. Because of their higher treatment efficiency and added value, biological wastewater treatments have become a viable alternative to conventional technologies. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as a potential approach to simultaneously remove chemical oxygen demand and generate power as one of the most promising biological therapies. As a result, the benefits and drawbacks of current MFC methods for various types of wastewater are outlined. The technological challenges that MFCs face are discussed, as well as the financial viability of employing MFCs to treat wastewater.