Microbial Fuel Cells and Plant Microbial Fuel Cells to Degradation of Polluted Contaminants in Soil and Water
Journal
Bioprospecting of Microorganism-Based Industrial Molecules
ISBN
9781119717317
Date Issued
2021-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs) are two types of bioelectrochemical technology. These two systems each have a compact design, low cost, and renewable energy production. This chapter summarizes the latest literature regarding MFCs, soil MFCs, and PMFCs for wastewater treatment and soil remediation. The first part contains an introduction of the concepts, history, and principle involved. It shows that microorganisms play a key role in the electricity production of MFCs and PMFCs. Then, the relevant materials and configurations are also summarized. New materials, decoration, and modifications have improved the performance of MFCs and PMFCs. Afterward, based on these concepts, applying MFCs in treatment for domestic wastewater, agricultural wastewater, and industrial wastewater can remove pollutions and generate electricity. Soil MFCs for remediating organic pollutions and heavy metals can produce power through long-term operation due to the large soil resources in the environment. The advantages of bioelectrochemical technology and plant uptake in PMFCs have multiple functions, and their mechanisms achieved high pollution removal for wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Finally, further research should be performed to optimize the designs, materials, soil properties, microorganisms, and plant species to improve the electrical generation, pollution removal, and applicability of such systems.
Type
book part