Evolution of Microbial Fuel Cell as a Promising Technology for Waste Water Treatment

Abstract

Attributed to exponentially growing global energy demand in current scenario, Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is an attempt aimed towards achieving integrated water and energy sustainability. MFC acts a bioelectrochemical reactor (system) that utilizes the ability of microorganisms to destabilize organic compounds present in wastewater, of domestic or industrial origin, resulting in breakdown of these compounds into simpler forms coupled with generation of electricity. This imparts MFC, status of a biofuel cell, which has clear advantages of operation at mild reaction conditions, cost effective and biotechnology based wastewater treatment with reduced sludge formation coupled with energy generation over chemical fuel cells that use highly reactive fuels and severe operating conditions. This paper aims at reviewing timely developments in Microbial Fuel Cell Technology with emphasis on its application in the area of effluent treatment clubbed with the potential for electricity generation. If power generation in MFC can be increased, this technology may provide a new method to offset wastewater treatment plant operating costs, with less excess sludge production.