Microbial fuel cells as pollutant treatment units: Research updates

• Recent R&D works for microbial fuel cells process were reviewed.
• Oxidization, reduction and combined systems on pollutant treatment were covered.
• Challenge and ways forward for MFC process were discussed.

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a device that can convert chemical energy in influent substances to electricity via biological pathways. Based on the consent that MFC technology should be applied as a waste/wastewater treatment unit rather than a renewable energy source, this mini-review discussed recent R&D efforts on MFC technologies for pollutant treatments and highlighted the challenges and research and development needs. Owing to the low power density levels achievable by larger-scale MFC, the MFC should be used as a device other than energy source such as being a pollutant treatment unit.