Microbial fuel cells in dye degradation: Fundamentals and advanced hybrid approaches-A review

The discharge of synthetic dyes into water bodies presents a significant environmental concern owing to their toxic nature, long-term stability and potential carcinogenic effects. Traditional wastewater treatment methods often fall short in effectively removing these complex compounds. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining attention as an eco-friendly technology capable of treating wastewater while producing energy at the same time. This review explores the potential of MFCs in degrading various dye pollutants, highlighting their operational principles, types and mechanisms. It also discusses the influence of factors such as inoculum source, dye concentration, contact time and electrode materials on the efficiency of dye removal. Furthermore, the synergistic relationship between microbial activity and electricity production is analyzed, offering insights into system optimization for enhanced performance.