Microbial fuel cell applications for removal of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants: A review

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) are considered as the potential approaches to remediate the environments contaminated by hydrocarbons. This review addresses the application of BESs particularly microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, including BTEXs, from soil, water, wastewater and sediments. Details on reactor design and critical issues are discussed. Aspects on electrodes, redox mediators and membranes are evaluated, including economic feasibility. The microbial community is considered in detail. It can be concluded, that comparing to classic configurations, single-chamber air-cathode reactors are more cost-effective. Secondly, systems based on small-scale units are recommended for future developments.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the application of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), particularly microbial fuel cells (MFCs), in the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. The paper discusses the reactor design, critical issues, and evaluates aspects such as electrodes, redox mediators, membranes, and economic feasibility. The microbial community is also considered. The study concludes that single-chamber air-cathode reactors are more cost-effective compared to classic configurations, and recommends the development of small-scale units for future systems.