A microbial fuel cell–membrane bioreactor integrated system for cost-effective wastewater treatment

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) are both promising technologies for wastewater treatment, but both with limitations. In this study, a novel MFC–MBR integrated system, which combines the advantages of the individual systems, was proposed for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery. The system favored a better utilization of the oxygen in the aeration tank of MBR by the MFC biocathode, and enabled a high effluent quality. Continuous and stable electricity generation, with the average current of 1.9 ± 0.4 mA, was achieved over a long period of about 40 days. The maximum power density reached 6.0 W m−3. Moreover, low-cost materials were used for the reactor construction. This integrated system shows great promise for practical wastewater treatment application.

► An MFC–MBR integrated system for wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
► Stable electricity generation during 1000-h continuous operation.
► Low-cost electrode, separator and filter materials were adopted.