Abstract

The implementation of a microbial fuel cell technology in a constructed wetland (CW) gives rise to a CW-MFC system. This technology, which resulted from the search for sustainable solutions, is notable for offering the possibility of electrical energy recovery during wastewater treatment. CW and MFC technologies are synergistic, as both require the action of microorganisms to degrade wastewater contaminants. In addition, the anode of an MFC requires an oxygen-free environment and the cathode needs to be well-oxygenated, which are natural and well-defined conditions in CWs. Therefore, similar oxidation-reduction potential conditions have been found in CWs and MFCs. In general, the vertical flow CW system produces a significant oxidative potential at the top, achieving a stratified environment with an aerobic zone in the upper part of the wetland (300 to 700 mV) and an anaerobic zone in the lower part (-300 to 100 mV). An integrated CW-MFC system thus avoids costs associated with cell construction using the redox conditions provided by the constructed wetland, and in the same physical space, wastewater is purified and electrical energy is generated simultaneously. Moreover, it has been shown that integrating the two technologies can further improve removal efficiency through the synergistic effects of CWs and MFCs. The main feature of this approach is that it provides an additional final electron collector (anode) as an electric conductor to promote degradation under conditions in the absence of oxygen in constructed wetlands. © 2025 by Apple Academic Press, Inc.