Microbial fuel cells for wastewater treatment

TLDR

Microbial fuel cells are a promising wastewater treatment technology, but they still face major challenges, especially in removing chemical oxygen demand. The study examines the potential energy conversion efficiencies of MFCs. The authors review and evaluate energy recovery rates per reactor volume. Recent data from potato‑processing and hospital wastewaters are reported, and process configurations for MFC wastewater treatment are outlined.

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are emerging as promising technology for the treatment of wastewaters. The potential energy conversion efficiencies are examined. The rates of energy recovery (W/m3 reactor) are reviewed and evaluated. Some recent data relating to potato-processing wastewaters and a hospital wastewater effluent are reported. Finally, a set of process configurations in which MFCs could be useful to treat wastewaters is schematized. Overall, the MFC technology still faces major challenges, particularly in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency.