Exploring the integration of bioelectrochemical systems and hydroponics: Possibilities, challenges, and innovations

Abstract

Hydroponics is a modern cultivation technique that utilizes nutrient solutions instead of soil for crop production. Currently, challenges, such as high cost, high energy consumption, greenhouse gas emission, and significant wastewater generation are drawbacks that limit its scale up. On the other hand, bioelectrochemical systems have emerged as a sustainable technology that resolve some of the aforementioned drawbacks, albeit in other scenarios. Bioelectrochemical systems applications are well documented in desalination, metal recovery, energy generation, contamination remediation etc. This work conceptualizes the integration of bioelectrochemical systems and hydroponics with a view to improving the efficiency and sustainability of hydroponics. Firstly, a systematic review of the main challenges hindering hydroponic agriculture development is first carried out to identify possible entry points for the proposed systems integration. Thereafter, a conceptualized point-by-point resolution of the main identified challenges of hydroponic systems through bioelectrochemical systems integration is explored. Furthermore, the feasibility, stability, and scalability of the conceptualized hydroponic-bioelectrochemical integrated systems are discussed.