Beneficial bioelectrochemical systems for energy, water, and biomass production

Abstract

The major insecurities facing the modern world are tied to depleting fuel reserves and rising greenhouse gas emissions. A quest for clean and renewable fuels has invigorated research efforts in both developed and developing countries. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology has been promoted as an innovative application of microbes for producing sustainable energy from organic waste streams emerging from a variety of waste sources. The latest scientific discoveries in MFC technology provide a framework for multitude of MXC technologies, ranging from Microbial Desalination Cells (MDCs) used in desalination of brackish water; Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) used for production of hydrogen; and microbial solar cells (MSCs) for sequestration of carbon dioxide from atmospheric and anthropogenic sources. The MXCs demonstrate a potential for sustainable water treatment and clean energy production under environmentally benign conditions. This article provides a critical overview of MXCs with a special focus on MDCs. © 2013 Gude VG, et al.