Enhanced biodegradation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sediments using microbial fuel cells

► One of the 1st studies on sediments MFC-enhanced hydrocarbon degradation. ► MFCs realizes close-to-aerobic biodegradation in anaerobic sediments. ► MFC-enhanced in situ biodegradation is 12× fold of the background sediments. ► Wicking electrode design increases DO in sediments while enhancing degradation. ► Results offers a passive, effective remedy for cleaning HC contaminated sediments.