MICROBIAL FUEL CELLS AS A PROMISING TECHNOLOGY FOR SIMULTANEOUS WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND BIOELECTRICITY GENERATION

The world's increasing energy demand and rising waste generation have made it necessary to shift towards renewable energy sources and more efficient waste treatment methods. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are a new but promising bioremediation technology for simultaneous wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. Through converting the chemical energy stored in waste into electrical energy through extracellular electron transfer between microorganisms and an electrode surface, MFCs have several advantages over the conventional activated sludge method, such as elimination of the need for an external energy source, no excessive sludge production, and the ability to treat diverse wastewater streams. In addition to being an effective wastewater treatment method, MFCs offer potential benefits in electricity generation. Although facing many technical and financial challenges, MFC technology is a promising alternative to fossil fuels and conventional wastewater treatment methods, with much lower negative impacts on the environment.

Author dc:creator

• Clover Liu

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Giere, Reto
• McGrath, Lauren

• Environmental Studies

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/59983

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.upenn.edu:20.500.14332/59983