Advances in Microbial Fuel Cells as Sustainable Bioelectricity Generators and Wastewater Remediation Tools

Abstract

A widespread energy crisis is the result of the current global situation, which is characterized by high-energy needs and finite resources. Nonrenewable energy sources are fast depleting while green energy options are still being ignored. Alternative energy generation techniques are desperately needed. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) due to their favorable operating conditions and the affordability of a variety of eco-friendly fuel substrates. Bioelectricity is created by microorganisms actively breaking down substrates, providing a long-term answer to the growing energy problems. Numerous investigations have yielded fresh insights into MFCs, demonstrating that a broad range of microorganisms can be effectively employed with a broad range of carbon sources, including waste materials. Therefore, the microbial transformation of waste through advanced bioremediation processes such as MFCs, which provide a potentially attractive alternative to conventional methods utilized in wastewater treatment, enables the immediate generation of bioelectricity. This not only keeps up with the latest technological advancements but also reduces overall process expenses. The current status of MFCs, their setup and mode of operation, factors for optimizing MFCs, the range of waste kinds, and microorganisms suitable for generating bioelectricity are all objectively assessed in this review. The review comprehensively focuses on MFC’s processes as applied in bioelectricity generation and environmental sustainability.