Microalgae-Mediated Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy: Insights and Perspectives

Algae are photosynthetic organisms that can fix CO₂ and produce biomass faster than their terrestrial counterparts. Recently, the application of algae in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has garnered interest in sustainable electricity generation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production. Algae produce oxygen during photosynthesis, reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for air sparging. The microalgae in MFCs will enhance the system’s performance, providing a cost-effective and sustainable process. Algae-mediated microbial fuel cells (A-MFCs) have been proven to be more beneficial in various applications, including carbon sequestration, resource recovery, bioremediation of wastewater, power generation, biofuel production, and the creation of value-added products. The performance of these fuel cells depends on several operational parameters, such as electrode material types, substrates, microbial consortia, and electrochemical reactions. In this chapter, we highlight the potential application of microalgae in MFCs for efficient power generation and sustainable utilization, aligning with SDG goals such as 6, 7, and 13. The application of A-MFCs in wastewater treatment, bioenergy production, and energy security for communities is highlighted, along with the factors influencing A-MFCs. It can be concluded that A-MFCs are paving the way for futuristic, sustainable solutions in wastewater treatment and bioenergy production.