Integrated Hydroponic Bioelectrochemical Wastewater Treatment Process for Sustainable Agriculture

As the global population grows rapidly, effective wastewater management and resource recovery is increasingly critical. Conventional wastewater treatment is energy-intensive, and it increases reliance on fossil fuel supplies. Microbial Electrochemical Systems (MES) offer a sustainable alternative by treating wastewater and producing renewable electricity. This study evaluates a combined MES–hydroponic system facilitating Lactuca sativa growth in cathodes via nutrient transport across a cation exchange membrane (CEM) from municipal wastewater being treated in the anode chamber. The system achieved 56 ± 11% COD removal, 48 ± 21% N removal, 4.32 mW/m2 peak power density, and a 25% increase in plant wet weight. In contrast, a standard air-cathode cell had 60 ± 15% COD removal, 55 ± 20% N removal, and 0.29 mW/m2 peak power density. Findings demonstrate the potential of combined MES–hydroponic systems for wastewater treatment and agriculture in a circular economy framework.