Strategies for optimization of microbial community structure in microbial fuel cell for advanced industrial wastewater treatment

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are increasingly being used for the bioremediation of pollutants discharged from the industries. They provide the convenience of generating electricity using low-cost wastewater media. Many structural and functional parameters of MFCs have been modified to obtain enhanced power generation and pollutant removal. However, the electron producing ability of microorganisms has not increased significantly over the years. This chapter emphasizes on the selection of the type of wastewater, microorganisms, and operating parameters to achieve increased power generation. A combination of different bacterial communities, including nitrifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria, electrochemically active bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and phosphorus-accumulating bacteria, have been found to generate electrons in MFC. These microorganisms are majorly impacted by the nature of wastewater used and the environmental conditions provided for their growth in the media.