Recent advances in antibiotic removal using independent and coupled microbial fuel cells (MFCs): Mechanisms and cells (MFCs): Mechanisms and practical applications

Antibiotic wastewater treatment is a major challenge in modern environmental protection, with traditional technologies facing significant limitations in both efficiency and cost. As an emerging technology, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) utilize microbial metabolism, electron transfer, and electrochemical reactions to achieve efficient antibiotic degradation while simultaneously generating electricity. This review explores the mechanisms and applications of standalone MFCs and coupled MFCs (such as constructed wetland microbial fuel cells and sediment microbial fuel cells) for antibiotic removal. It also analyzes the effects of key factors, including electrode materials, initial antibiotic concentration, carbon sources, pH and temperature, on treatment efficiency and power generation performance. Furthermore, optimization strategies aimed at enhancing both removal efficiency and energy output are discussed. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress on MFC technology, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for its broader application in environmental protection.