5 - Removal of toxic pollutants using microbial fuel cells

Abstract

Bioremediation has been acknowledged extensively as an alternative which utilizes naturally occurring microbes. In recent years, microbial fuel cell (MFC) has got a lot of consideration and shows potential in the direction of management of environmental problems. Therefore, MFC can be utilized as an alternative way to encourage bioremediation for efficient elimination of several polluting agents. MFC is an apparatus which transforms chemical energy into electrical energy by using microbes. MFC utilizes bacteria for degradation of organic and inorganic matter which leads to bioremediation of polluting agents along with bioelectricity production. Currently used removal processes for toxic pollutant require large amount of energy, chemicals, and huge investments without any revenue generation. Due to these problems, current systems have been shifted to design and operate for eliminating the pollutants and recovering resources, reducing energy utilization, and enhancing energy recovery. The advantages of MFCs include energy saving, less active sludge generation, can be operated at any temperature, and production of energy which makes it an excellent method for environmental remediation as compared to conventional methods. Theoretically, MFC can metabolize almost all the substrates by microorganisms which serve as feedstock. These substrates include agricultural, brewery, urban sewage, and various industrial wastewaters. MFC provides distinctive ways to utilize waste and remove toxic pollutants as well as generate electricity. They also have prospective to treat wastewater and offer environment protection. In this chapter, a brief introduction about MFCs and effect of different parameters on electricity generation will be discussed. Further, application of MFCs for removal of polluting agents such as dyes, antibiotics, phenolic compounds, pesticide, heavy metals, etc. from environment will be discussed. Thus, MFCs correspond to a potential, long-term, accessible, affordable, and environment-friendly method for toxic pollutant removal along with the production of sustainable energy. Currently, MFC applications are still at laboratory scale and will positively show a great potential for industrial applications in upcoming days.