Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Waste Water Derived Electroactive Microbial Biofilms: Growth, Maintenance, and Basic Characterization
Published on: December 29, 2013
Recent progress in microbial fuel cells for industrial effluent treatment and energy generation: Fundamentals to
Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian1, Joyabrata Mal2, Radha Rani2
1Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamilnadu, India.
Abstract:
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) technology have the potential to decarbonize electricity generation and offer an eco-friendly route for treating a wide range of industrial effluents from power generation, petrochemical, tannery, brewery, dairy, textile, pulp/paper industries, and agro-industries. Despite successful laboratory-scale studies, several obstacles limit the MFC technology for real-world applications. This review article aimed to discuss the most recent state-of-the-art information on MFC architecture, design, components, electrode materials, and anodic exoelectrogens to enhance MFC performance and reduce cost. In addition, the article comprehensively reviewed the industrial effluent characteristics, integrating conventional technologies with MFCs for advanced resource recycling with a particular focus on the simultaneous bioelectricity generation and treatment of various industrial effluents. Finally, the article discussed the challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives for the large-scale applications of MFCs for sustainable industrial effluent management and energy recovery.
Related Concept Videos
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Overview of Archaea
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
Lipid Catabolism
Microbial Fermentation
Bioremediation

