Biodiversity in microbial fuel cells: Review of a promising technology for wastewater treatment

Microbial variety has many functions, and most bacteria can be employed as a biocatalyst in a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). MFC is an anaerobic bioreactor that transfers chemical energy in organic compound chemical bonds to electrical energy through catalytic reactions of microorganisms. Various microorganisms in the form of a community or consortium have a higher ability to transfer electrons to the anode and increase the degradation of the organic compound than pure cultures. Scientists have known that bacteria may produce electricity by breaking down organic substrates for years. Today, the presence of the energy crisis and batik industry has reignited interest in MFCs among university academics as a technique to convert biomass to hydrogen without releasing net carbon into the atmosphere. Batik wastewater can be used as a substrate for MFC to generate renewable energy (electricity) and bioremediation of chromium. This study reviews a diverse community of bacteria in microbial fuel cells, which may be used to remediate industrial effluent.

Automated summary

Microbial variety plays a crucial role in the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) as most bacteria can act as biocatalysts. MFC, an anaerobic bioreactor, converts chemical energy in organic compounds to electrical energy through microbial catalytic reactions. Microorganisms in the form of a community or consortium are more efficient in electron transfer and organic compound degradation compared to pure cultures. The use of MFCs for biomass conversion to hydrogen and remediation of industrial effluent, such as batik wastewater, has gained renewed interest due to the energy crisis and environmental concerns.