Mechanisms and challenges of microbial fuel cells for soil heavy metal(loid)s remediation

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical approaches offer a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly solution to pollutant remediation. As a versatile technology, although many studies have shown its potential in soil heavy metal(loid) remediation, the mechanism behind this process is not simple or well-reviewed. Thus, in this review we summarized the impacts of the microbial fuel cells (MFCs) on metal (loids) movement and transformation in the soil environment in terms of changes in soil pH, electromigration, and substrate competition between anode-respiring bacteria and the soil microbial community. Furthermore, the progress of MFCs in the fixation/removal of different elements from the soil environment is described. Hence, this review provides critical insight into the use of the MFC for soil metal(loid) bioremediation.

Keywords: Arsenic; Bioremediation; Contaminated soils; Heavy metal mitigation; Rice paddy; Soil microbial fuel cells.