Enhanced wastewater treatment efficiency through microbially catalyzed oxidation and reduction: Synergistic effect of biocathode microenvironment

► Microbially catalyzed reduction at cathode has positive impact on the treatment. ► Microenvironment in cathode makes the difference in overall treatment efficiencies. ► Bio-electrocatalytic activity was higher during MFC operation under aerobic biocathode microenvironment. ► In situ bio-potential during aerobic biocathode operation helped in salts removal. ► Anaerobic treatment unit and activated sludge process as anode and cathode is viable for high treatment efficiency.