How this nature-based solution can generate clean energy while purifying wastewater
Wastewater pollution and energy scarcity are two critical challenges affecting cities and rural communities alike. Traditional wastewater treatment plants are energy-intensive and costly, making them inaccessible to many regions. But what if wastewater could be used to generate electricity while being purified?
A comprehensive investigation, published in the Journal of Environmental Management in December 2024, illustrated the evolutionary trend and development status of constructed wetland coupled with microbial fuel cells. The study was compiled after examination of 85 patents and 247 research articles using structured and unstructured data.
The researchers from the department of civil engineering of the Morgan State University, United States discussed the game-changing approach to wastewater treatment, turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity for clean energy and sustainability.
Nature’s power plant
The paper discussed constructed wetland as an engineered ecosystem designed to replicate natural wetlands, utilising aquatic plants and microorganisms to filter contaminants from wastewater. By incorporating a microbial fuel cell into this system, the technology enhanced wastewater treatment while simultaneously generating clean energy.
The procedure is described as wastewater flowing into the wetland, where plants and microorganisms collaborate to decompose organic contaminants. Below the surface, special bacteria in the microbial fuel cells consume the organic matter, initiating a biochemical reaction that produces electrons. These electrons are captured and transferred through an electrode system, generating a small but usable amount of electricity.
This innovative approach ensures dual benefits — efficient water purification and renewable energy production, making constructed wetland coupled with microbial fuel cells a sustainable, cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment in urban, rural, and industrial applications. By mimicking natural processes, this closed-loop system represents a powerful tool for environmental conservation and energy recovery.
Source: Miwornunyuie, N, Ugochukwu, G & Hunter, J, 2024, “Evolutionary trends and development of constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cell: A decade of development”, Journal of Environmental Management.
Further, the review also highlighted that the technology is more than just a scientific experiment — it has practical applications for communities struggling with water scarcity and energy access. Many pilot projects across India, China and Africa for the technology have been tested in villages, peri-urban areas and industrial wastewater sites.
The technology yielded promising results, delivering cleaner water for irrigation, fisheries and safe discharge. Additionally, it generated electricity to power streetlights, small appliances, and community spaces.
The technology also offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional wastewater treatment plants. In Tamil Nadu, one such system is helping local farmers treat wastewater, while also powering nighttime irrigation pumps, demonstrating its potential for sustainable water management and decentralised energy production.
Way to sustainable, green future
The review underscored the importance of constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cells as a transformative solution for decentralised, sustainable water management. However, challenges such as optimising power output, scaling up adoption through policy and funding and educating communities on system maintenance must be addressed.
“In the Global South — where many countries face challenges related to inadequate sanitation, water pollution and energy scarcity — Constructed Wetland-Microbial Fuel Cells present a unique opportunity to provide sustainable, decentralised wastewater treatment while generating small amounts of bioelectricity,” said Nicholas Christos Miwornunyuie, PhD researcher and lead author of the publication at the Morgan State University, United States.
Source: Miwornunyuie, N, Ugochukwu, G & Hunter, J, 2024, “Evolutionary trends and development of constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cell: A decade of development”, Journal of Environmental Management.
Many parts of the Global South, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America, the expert noted, suffer from poor sanitation infrastructure. “Traditional wastewater treatment plants are expensive, energy-intensive and often unavailable in rural and peri-urban areas.”
The integration of Constructed Wetlands and Microbial Fuel Cells aligns with the needs of resource-limited settings by offering a low-cost, low-energy and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional wastewater treatment systems, he added.
As climate change and resource scarcity intensify, such nature-based solutions offer hope for a cleaner future. The wide implementation of these technologies using microbes and plants can purify water, generate renewable energy and restore ecosystems that could redefine wastewater management and innovation.