Simultaneous removal of organic matter and salt ions from saline wastewater in bioelectrochemical systems

► Microbial salinity-reduction electrolysis cells (MSCs) can treat saline wastewater. ► In MSCs, organic matter and salt ions were removed simultaneously. ► Ion-exchange membranes were not damaged for three months in MSCs. ► Exoelectrogens can generate high currents with salinities up to 36 g/L TDS.