Green Wastes as a Bio-Anode in Microbial Fuel Cell for Wastewater Treatment

Ramadan, Mai; Elshahwi, Abeer; Barakat, Nasser; Shaltout, Amina

doi:10.21608/sceee.2025.406753.1094

Green Wastes as a Bio-Anode in Microbial Fuel Cell for Wastewater Treatment

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal University

² Suez canal university, faculty of engineering, department of civil engineering

³ Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia

10.21608/sceee.2025.406753.1094

Abstract

An efficient carbonaceous anode can be developed from green waste through simple thermal carbonization processes at relatively low temperatures. These bio-derived carbon materials, when integrated into microbial fuel cells (MFCs), exhibit promising structural and electrochemical properties that support biofilm formation and efficient electron transfer. Analytical methods typically used in material science often reveal partial graphitic features and porous textures, both of which are beneficial for microbial colonization and electrochemical activity. Compared to conventional materials such as carbon felt, green waste-derived electrodes have shown the potential for enhanced performance due to their tunable surface chemistry and increased surface area. Moreover, microbial analysis of biofilms developed on such anodes frequently identifies electroactive bacterial species, some of which may be previously uncharacterized, especially in region-specific environments. These findings shed light on the significance of utilizing sustainable materials in MFCs and exploring novel microbial communities capable of extracellular electron transfer in complex and nutrient-rich wastewaters.

Keywords