Engineering Microbial-Electrochemical Interfaces for Sustainable Water Purification

Abstract

Electrofusion is an emerging frontier in sustainable water purification, integrating microbial activity with electrochemical processes to achieve efficient and eco-friendly treatment. Bioeletrofusion improves microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and bioelectrochemical systems by allowing controlled membrane fusion in electric fields. This makes electron transfer pathways better and increases catalytic efficiency. This enables superior degradation of organic pollutants, pathogen elimination, and recovery of clean water with minimal chemical use. The technology stands out for its dual functionality: treating diverse municipal and industrial effluents while simultaneously generating bioelectricity, thereby advancing circular economy principles. With its low energy demand and adaptability, electrofusion offers a scalable solution well suited for decentralized and resilient water infrastructure. Current research focuses on optimizing electrode materials, engineering microbial consortia, and integrating smart monitoring systems to support real-world deployment. Collectively, bioelectrofusion holds significant promise for transforming wastewater treatment and expanding access to clean water worldwide.