Bioelectrochemical technologies for removal of xenobiotics from wastewater

Xenobiotics are considered toxic and a major threat to human beings by finding their way to various segments of the environment. Conventional wastewater treatment is uneconomical in removing these contaminants due to high energy demands. The technological advent has shifted towards applying the bioelectrochemical system (BES) for the integrated treatment of wastewater. BES, being an environment-friendly process, has promising potential in the bioremediation of xenobiotics. The BES technology has dual advantages of treating the contaminants present in wastewater with the support of electrochemically active microbes and bioenergy production. BES utilizes the energy stored in the chemical bonds of wastes for the treatment of these wastes. The MFC has gained prominence as it can simultaneously treat wastewater and generates electricity. The BES's major limitations are its scalability and high capital cost. The challenges for the scale-up of the BES include a high internal resistance, limited electrode conductivity, and sub-optimal contacts between the electrodes. The global market for microbial fuel cells (a type of BES) has accounted for $8.60 million in 2017 and grew at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%, which is anticipated to increase to $22.38 million by 2026.