Advances in bioelectrochemical constructed wetlands for clean water and green energy

Abstract

Self-sustaining and eco-friendly technologies for wastewater treatment are crucial for promoting sustainable development goals and advancing circular economy approach. Therefore, here we review the popular nature- based wastewater treatment systems i.e., constructed wetlands (CWs). The review focuses on recent advance-ment in the field of CWs, with main focus on bio-electrochemical systems (BES) integration with constructed wetlands (BES-CWs). The integration of CWs with BES provides a self-sustaining and an eco-friendly option for sustainable wastewater treatment and energy production. However, to date pilot scale applicability of these systems has been limited due to low energy out-put. Hence, in this review we discuss BES-CWs systems, evolution and advancement, highlighting the research advancements over the years. The discussion includes advancement in design configuration, filter media used, electrode material and microbial communities which influence the performance of the BES-CWs system and subsequently highlight limiting factors for pilot scale applicability. The review findings reveal that BES-CWs systems have strong potential for wastewater treatment, but special attention to the design, substrate and electrode material is required to enhance the energy out-put. The, review analysis will assist in future research work and offer new avenues for optimization of BES-CWs for wastewater treatment and energy production.