Utilization and perspectives of electricity generated from electro-wetland

Abstract

Constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) technique was developed in recent years that can simultaneously remove pollutants and generate electricity, exhibiting two-prong environmentally friendly features while expanding the scope of the conventional CW. The CW-MFC is also known as the electricity-producing wetland (Electro-Wetland, EW). It synergizes bioelectrochemical system within a wetland ecosystem. Through electroactive microorganisms, organic matter in wastewater releases electrons, thus transforming chemical energy directly into electrical energy. A portion of this energy can be harvested and utilized. Despite the expanding research on EW, the scope of utilizing the generated electricity remains narrowly explored. This paper presents a timely overview of the limited literature on electricity production via EW and its application attempts so far, alongside venturing into new development prospects and potential directions for future research. After summarizing the current status of electricity production from EW, the paper focuses on exploring the use and application of EW generated power from the updated literature that we can review. Till now, the EW generated electricity has been attempted to using for lighting lamp bulb, developing bio-sensor, operating electroflocculation as power supply, driving UV lamps for disinfection, and powering air pumps. No doubt, they present the novel applications, but there are still knowledge gaps and space to further expand the scope of wide range applications in the future.