Integrating bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable wastewater treatment

Current wastewater treatment processes such as activated sludge process and other aeration technologies are resource-consuming and are unsustainable. Novel and integrated processes are crucial to the development of sustainable wastewater treatment systems. In this context, anaerobic treatment technologies provide numerous opportunities for minimization of energy and resource consumption and maximization of beneficial products. Further, integration of anaerobic digestion augmented by co-digestion, fermentation, dark fermentation or photo-fermentation and other bioelectrochemical systems may result in resource-efficient waste management and environmental protection. This mini-review discusses various possibilities and highlights recent developments of integrated aerobic and anaerobic technologies with bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable wastewater treatment.