Groundwater remediation powered by microbial electron transfer: From electrode-biofilm interactions to field...

Groundwater contamination is a pressing global issue driven by anthropogenic activities and intensified by climate change. Microbial electrochemical technology (MET) has emerged as a promising low-carbon approach that integrates microbial metabolism with electrochemical redox reactions for efficient remediation. However, its field-scale feasibility, long-term stability, and environmental impacts remain insufficiently understood. This review synthesizes recent advances in MET for subsurface pollutant removal and critically examines key barriers to practical deployment. Extracellular electron transfer and pollution conversion mechanisms are discussed, enabling METs to target diverse contaminants. Critical operational factors are analyzed alongside emerging strategies to enhance remediation outcomes. Sustainability, life cycle impacts, and technology readiness are also assessed to evaluate environmental viability. Overall, while challenges like long-term stability and scale-up persist, METs hold significant promise for site-specific pollutant control. This review bridges mechanistic insights with engineering strategies, providing an integrated framework for scalable and sustainable MET applications in groundwater remediation.