Outlook on the Role of Microbial Fuel Cells in Remediation of Environmental Pollutants with Electricity Generation

Abstract

A wide variety of pollutants are discharged into water bodies like lakes, rivers, canal, etc. due to the growing world population, industrial development, depletion of water resources, improper disposal of agricultural and native wastes. Water pollution is becoming a severe problem for the whole world from small villages to big cities. The toxic metals and organic dyes pollutants are considered as significant contaminants that cause severe hazards to human beings and aquatic life. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is the most promising, eco-friendly, and emerging technique. In this technique, microorganisms play an important role in bioremediation of water pollutants simultaneously generating an electric current. In this review, a new approach based on microbial fuel cells for bioremediation of organic dyes and toxic metals has been summarized. This technique offers an alternative with great potential in the field of wastewater treatment. Finally, their applications are discussed to explore the research gaps for future research direction. From a literature survey of more than 170 recent papers, it is evident that MFCs have demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for various pollutants.

Cellulose Derived Graphene/Polyaniline Nanocomposite Anode for Energy Generation and Bioremediation of Toxic Metals via Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells

“…The filamentous appendages are conductive pili which help to transfer the electrons from bacterial cell to anode. The electron transfer mechanisms are well explained in our previous study [ 5 ]. Therefore, the anode-cell contact is very important for high performance of BMFCs.…”

“…Similarly, Ayangbenro et al [61] clearly concluded that Bacillus species are very effective for the treatment of heavy metals such as Cd and Pb. Similar, several studies showed that the Acinetobacter species are responsible for the generation of electricity, as they are mostly found in MFC's biofilm [3,5]. For example, Fedorovich et al [62] studied the mixed culture bacteria from MFCs operation and concluded that Acinetobacter species are one of the exoelectrogens in their study to achieve a maximal power density of 296 mW/liter.…”

“…The direct conversion of organic substrates into electrical energy and an efficient operation at a stable environment distinguish MFCs from other current energy devices. The other advantage of MFCs along with energy generation is wastewater treatment application [ 5 , 6 ]. Further, continued efforts have modified MFCs into benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs).…”

Insights into the Current Trends in the Utilization of Bacteria for Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

“…In addition to consolidation of sands and soils, researchers also showed great interest in making bacterial-based bricks, concretes, and mortars [38]. Some works are shown in Table 2.…”

Advancement in Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells toward Sustainable Bioremediation and Renewable Energy Production

“…Whenever external pH changes, many physiological alterations occur, including changes in ionic concentrations, microbial cytosolic pH, proton shuttling, and biofilm formation. In the microbial pathway, pH plays an important role, and it is necessary to examine the pH conditions under which microorganisms can achieve maximum performance [ 43 ]. This is a significant aspect in the control of microbial cell metabolism and is also concerned with MFC power generation.…”