WASTEWATER TREATMENT THROUGH BIOELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Abstract

Bioelectrochemical systems are an emerging technology that uses microorganisms to convert stored chemical energy into biodegradable materials to produce electrical energy and chemicals more sustainably than conventional processes. Among the biodegradable materials, many solid residues and liquid effluents can be used, offering flexibility for anodic and cathodic reactions. In their structure, these systems basically
have an anode chamber, where biodegradable materials are oxidized and generate free electrons. In some systems with the cathode chamber, free electrons start to generate current in the cell itself. This technology has different applications such as electricity generation, production of specific chemical compounds, seawater desalination and contaminated soil remediation. This work brings a literature review on all the systems mentioned, as well as the main biochemical reactions involved, providing information and discussions on the current development of this promising technology and some pertinent difficulties, such as large-scale energy production.