Photosynthetic Algal Microbial Fuel Cell (PAMFC) for Wastewater Removal and Energy Recovery: A Review

Purpose of Review

Microalgae-based photosynthetic algal biofuel cells (PAMFCs) are effective devices for purifying wastewater and fixing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, converting light energy into electricity for integrated bioelectricity, biodiesel feedstock, and more. This paper reviewed the great potential of PAMFC for wastewater treatment and energy utilization, providing new ideas for wastewater treatment and green energy development.

Recent Findings

The concept of the PAMFC is to convert pollutants into bioelectricity by using the metabolic activity of microbial populations in the wastewater, and the microalgae at the cathode make it possible to convert solar energy into green energy. The construction and type of PAMFC, biotic and abiotic factors all have an impact on its wastewater treatment and energy production. Considering the above facts, the drawbacks of PAMFC were summarized and the future development for its application in wastewater treatment and energy use was prospected.

Summary

This paper reviewed the use of PAMFC systems to recover resources in the form of nutrients, bioelectricity, and biodiesel feedstock in wastewater treatment. The selection of reactor configuration, cathode and anode materials, electrogenic microorganisms, and system optimization conditions were analyzed. The limitations of PAMFC in terms of reactor performance and scale in practical production applications were discussed and future directions for PAMFC were proposed.