Current challenges and future perspectives associated with configuration of microbial fuel cell for simultaneous energy generation and wastewater treatment

Environmental eutrophication of untreated heavy wastewater by industries and urban centers is a very serious concern for environmental protection agencies. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology fulfills the 4Es concept of energy, environment, efficiency, and economics and provides a reliable source of renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels with an increase in energy security. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive overview of MFC applications in efficiently removing heavy metals from wastewater, achieving remarkable removal efficiencies ranging from 70% to an impressive 97%. Addressing critical challenges and limitations related to electrode configurations, membrane characteristics, fabrication costs, and stacking, this review focuses on the path to achieve high-performance MFCs. The potential of MFC adaptation for clean water supply through a 97% reduction in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), wastewater treatment, onsite bioenergy production and energy security for communities is discussed. Moreover, the advantages and future prospects of MFCs are paving the way for sustainable solutions in wastewater treatment and resource recovery. (c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.