Microbial electrochemical snorkels (MESs): A budding technology for multiple applications. A mini review

A microbial electrochemical snorkel (MES) is formed by the direct coupling of a microbial anode with a cathode, which may or may not be biotic. It can be considered as a short-circuited microbial fuel cell. In comparison with a microbial fuel cell, an MES does not produce power but it ensures the highest possible electrochemical reaction rates that the system can support. Although MESs have recently received little research attention, a multitude of possible applications have emerged in the last few years. MESs have recently been shown to be effective for organic matter abatement in wastewater, nitrate removal, decontamination of hydrocarbon-polluted sediments, and soil bioremediation. Other applications are foreseen. Thanks to its extreme simplicity, the MES could offer a real opportunity for short-term scale-up. This mini-review seeks to attract the attention of the research community to the potential of this technology and to propose research to develop it.