Microbial Desalination Cell Technology: Functions and Future Prospects

This chapter discusses Microbial desalination cell (MDC) technology for removal of salinity in water, electricity generation, and wastewater management. MDCs integrate microbial fuel cells (MFC) and electrodialysis processes in an energy-sustainable way. This technology uses the organic contaminants present in wastewater or biomass as the energy source. The electric potential gradient created by exoelectrogenic bacteria through MFC desalinates water by driving ion transport through a series of ion-exchange membranes (IEMs). The Introduction section presents the concept of the MDC and its significance. A comprehensive overview of MDC configurations, functions, optimization, and performance are then explained. The scale-up and practical difficulties faced during technological applications in the field are discussed. A detailed discussion on the feasibility and evaluation of a proposed design for a wastewater treatment plant integrating the MDC technology is also discussed