The technology of microbial fuel cells: a promising approach towards simultaneous and sustainable wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation

Bishir, Musa and Correa, Catalina Rodriguez and Olszewski, Maciej Pawel and Ado, Saleh Alhaji and Tariq, Marium and Kruse, Andrea (2023) The technology of microbial fuel cells: a promising approach towards simultaneous and sustainable wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. International Journal of Biomass & Renewables (Malaysia), 12. pp. 1-8. ISSN 2289-1692

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.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijbr/article/v...

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.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	wastewater treatment
AGROVOC Term:	bioelectricity
AGROVOC Term:	renewable energy
AGROVOC Term:	waste management
AGROVOC Term:	microorganisms
AGROVOC Term:	engineers
AGROVOC Term:	energy generation
AGROVOC Term:	pollution
Geographical Term:	Germany
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2025 07:40
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2026 02:25
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1448

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