Microbial Fuel Cell-Based Organic Matter Sensors: Principles, Structures and Applications

Abstract

Wastewater contains a significant quantity of organic matter, continuously causing environmental pollution. Timely and accurate detection of organic content in water can facilitate improved wastewater treatment and better protect the environment. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are increasingly recognized as valuable biological monitoring systems, due to their ability to swiftly detect organic indicators such as biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in water quality. Different types of MFC sensors are used for BOD and COD detection, each with unique features and benefits. This review focuses on different types of MFC sensors used for BOD and COD detection, discussing their benefits and structural optimization, as well as the influencing factors of MFC-based biomonitoring systems. Additionally, the challenges and prospects associated with the development of reliable MFC sensing systems are discussed.

Advances in Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes: Focus on Low-Carbon Energy and Resource Recovery in Biorefinery Context

“…These processes involve microbial electrocatalysis, and the BET/EO process potentiality lies in its ability to degrade a spectrum of pollutants/contaminants/toxins in applications including wastewater treatment (BET/EO), salt removal (desalination), and metal removal/recovery (electrodeposition/biomineralization), taking advantage of the symbiotic reactions that take place in the hybridized biological and electrochemical system [ 19 , 58 , 59 , 60 ] ( Figure 3 ). Anodic biofilm attachment and microbial community entities in relation to the synergy with the electrode play a crucial role in complex (pollutants/contaminants/toxins/metals) treatment by metabolically biocatalyzed electrochemical oxidation [ 61 ]. Anodic complex degradation in BET usually takes place by the mechanisms of direct anodic oxidation (DAO) and indirect anodic oxidation (IAO) processes [ 10 , 20 ].…”

Targeted Formation of Biofilms on the Surface of Graphite Electrodes as an Effective Approach to the Development of Biosensors for Early Warning Systems

“…The MFC substrate levels give two different types of output signaling concentrations: abstracted electrons (via the anode) and the production of protons (by the cathode), which allows MFCs to effectively determine the analyte concentration. Response time is one of the challenges of this technology (the average response time is 140-180 min) [11], but the flow mode of MFCs is also an effective solution as a result of the optimization of the flow rate and the anode chamber volume [12,13]. Another way to achieve a rapid response on a small scale can be realized with bioanodes of a typical MFC with a counter Pd electrode and/or silver/silver chloride cell with an applied voltage; BOD is estimated through amperometric analysis (current-time plots) [14,15], but in this approach, planktonic systems are used, which are not as stable as biofilm MFCs.…”

“…Continuous small-scale flow MFCs are very dependent on stability and flow rate; these parameters have significant effects on the sensor response and analytical performances. In [12,13], to provide high long-term stability (more than 60 days) to the flow MFC system, an injected effluent is needed and a lot of wastewater is collected.…”