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The Potential of Microbial Fuel Cells as a Dual Solution for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Energy Generation: A Case Study

Author

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  • Shajjadur Rahman Shajid

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4130, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Monjur Mourshed

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Md. Golam Kibria

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh)

  • Bahman Shabani

    (School of Engineering, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia)

Abstract

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems that harness microorganisms to convert organic pollutants in wastewater directly into electricity, offering a dual solution for sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. This paper presents a holistic techno-economic and environmental feasibility assessment of large-scale MFC deployment in Dhaka’s industrial zone, Bangladesh, as a relevant case study. Here, treating 100,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily would require a capital investment of approximately USD 500 million, with a total project cost ranging between USD 307.38 million and 1.711 billion, depending on system configurations. This setup has an estimated theoretical energy recovery of 478.4 MWh/day and a realistic output of 382 MWh/day, translating to a per-unit energy cost of USD 0.2–1/kWh. MFCs show great potential for treating wastewater and addressing energy challenges. However, this paper explores remaining challenges, including high capital costs, electrode and membrane inefficiencies, and scalability issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Shajjadur Rahman Shajid & Monjur Mourshed & Md. Golam Kibria & Bahman Shabani, 2025. "The Potential of Microbial Fuel Cells as a Dual Solution for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Energy Generation: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-37, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:14:p:3725-:d:1701373
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