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Renewable energy is in high demand as the world realizes the implications of relying heavily on non-renewable sources. However, many aren’t aware that one potential source of renewable energy is right under our noses: wastewater. As surprising as it may sound, wastewater – resulting from domestic, industrial, and agricultural practices – could become the powerhouse for sustainable energy generation in future.

Inklings of this fascinating concept were there since 1911, but the potential of wastewater as a renewable energy source has only recently come into the limelight. If harnessed properly, this overlooked resource can generate substantial amounts of energy, alleviating reliance on traditional energy sources and contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change.

How Does It Work?

The primary process involved is referred to as anaerobic digestion, where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen [^1^]. The process not only results in biogas production that can be utilized for energy but also reduces the volume of sludge, the by-product of wastewater treatment, thus lowering disposal costs.

Advancements in technology have further facilitated the capture and use of the by-products of wastewater treatment. For instance, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) allow for the direct conversion of chemical energy from organic matter into electric energy. This has helped in treating wastewater while simultaneously producing an electric current [^2^].

Why Wastewater?

The benefits of utilizing wastewater go beyond just energy generation. Wastewater treatment plants, for instance, are among the largest consumers of energy nations worldwide. Thus, generating power from wastewater would offset energy usage at these facilities, reducing costs and carbon footprint. Additionally, any excess power generated can be supplied back to the grid or used elsewhere.

Moreover, the process helps in removing pollutants from the water, creating a win-win situation— renewable energy generation plus cleaner water. This could have a profound impact on less developed countries, where water treatment is still a challenge. Further, it can enhance their efforts to bolster renewable energy sources and mitigate environmental challenges [^3^].

In Conclusion

Renewable energy from wastewater is an exciting prospect that can transform our approach towards wastewater management and renewable energy generation. It is an area yet to be fully exploited, and with continued research and technological advancements, the future holds great promise.

This endeavor towards renewable energy from wastewater will, however, require policy support, investments, and a broad understanding of its potential benefits and applicability. Together with other renewable energy sources, it needs to be considered as an integral part of our transition towards sustainable energy.

Remember, every drop of water matters, especially if it can generate power!!

[^1^]: Anaerobic Digestion

[^2^]: Microbial fuel cells: Methodology and technology

[^3^]: Renewable Energy from Wastewater

Water pollution from industrial processes poses one of the largest threats to our environment. More specifically, effective management of wastewater is a major concern for both developed and developing countries. Although various conventional wastewater treatment technologies are in place, they often face issues such as high operational and maintenance costs, and the requirement of substantial energy for their functioning.

To mitigate these challenges and make wastewater treatment more sustainable, scientists have been investigating and developing innovative wastewater treatment technologies. One such promising technology is bioelectrochemical system (BES). Before we delve into the world of BES, let’s understand what wastewater is and why it should be treated.

Wastewater: What and Why?

Wastewater is the water that has been affected by human use. It includes a wide range of potential contaminants and concentrations, but is not limited to, physical materials, chemicals and biological organisms such as microorganisms. Wastewater treatment is necessary to ensure that our water bodies do not get contaminated with these pollutants, thus protecting the environment and public health, conserving water, and recycling valuable resources.

Bioelectrochemical Systems: An Innovative Solution

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are innovative technologies that use the capability of certain types of bacteria, known as electroactive bacteria, to convert wastewater pollutants into electricity. As the bacteria consume the organic matter in the wastewater, they breathe onto an electrode, releasing electrons and protons. These electrons are then transferred to a second electrode (called the cathode) where they combine with protons and oxygen to form water.

This process not only cleans the wastewater, but also generates electricity. Hence, it offers an exciting way to convert the issue of wastewater treatment into an energy-producing solution.

Dual Role of Bioelectrochemical Systems

BES plays a dual role in wastewater treatment. Firstly, it treats wastewater by removing organic contaminants from it. Secondly, it gives us a unique opportunity to turn this waste into valuable products, like electricity, hydrogen, or even high value chemical compounds that can be used as raw materials in other industrial processes.

Not only that, bioelectrochemical systems are environment-friendly and can potentially contribute to achieving sustainability goals of industries in terms of energy recovery and lower carbon emissions.

While these advancements seem promising, it is important to note that like with any emerging technology, BES technology also faces its set of challenges – these include issues related to cost, scalability, and efficiency. However, with ongoing research and technological advancements, these are likely to be overcome over time.

Conclusion

The potential of bioelectrochemical systems to provide a sustainable solution to the problem of wastewater treatment while producing energy and valuable chemicals is inspiring. It’s an example of how we can take problems and turn them into solutions, using nothing more than the capabilities of nature, combined with a dash of human ingenuity.

With ongoing research and development, bioelectrochemical wastewater systems could play a significant role in shaping sustainable and circular economies in the future.

Sources:

1. Sustaining life with wastewater?
2. Electricity production from wastewater using bioelectrochemical systems
3. Bioelectrochemical systems for waste treatment

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Wastewater treatment is an important subject in our current context of accelerated urban growth and environmental concerns. Traditional methods often involve the use of chemicals and high energy consumption during the treatment processes. Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) emerge as a promising alternative, as they leverage the capabilities of microorganisms to treat wastewater while recovering energy in a sustainable manner.

Understanding Bioelectrochemical Systems

BESs are systems that generate electricity directly from organic and inorganic matter using the metabolic activity of microorganisms. These systems can be used to clean wastewater, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and produce valuable by-products, including hydrogen, methane, alcohol, and more[^1^]. The concept behind BESs is based on the ability of certain bacteria to transfer an electron to an electrode, a process known as extracellular electron transfer (EET).

Bioelectrochemical Wastewater Treatment Process

In a typical BES for wastewater treatment, the anode compartment is fed with wastewater. Here, electroactive bacteria initiate the oxidation process of the organic substances in the wastewater, releasing electrons and protons. The electrons travel through an external circuit to the cathode, generating an electric current, while the protons move through a proton exchange membrane to the cathode compartment. At the cathode, the electrons, protons and oxygen combine to form water[^2^].

Benefits and Challenges

The utilization of bioelectrochemical wastewater systems presents several advantages. Firstly, they allow for the generation of electricity from waste, decreasing the need for external power supplies for wastewater treatment and enforcing a more circular economy. This, in turn, leads to reduced carbon footprint and makes them an attractive solution from an economic perspective.

Moreover, BESs are versatile, as they can be designed to remove a wide variety of pollutants, including organic substances, nitrates, sulphides, and heavy metals.

However, it’s worth noting that the application of BESs on a commercial scale faces several challenges. These include low power outputs, high costs of electrode materials and membranes, technological complications, and more. To overcome these obstacles, a lot of research is focused on improving power density, Coulombic efficiency, and other parameters of BESs[^3^].

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, bioelectrochemical wastewater systems represent an innovative and sustainable technology that merges wastewater treatment and renewable energy production. As we strive towards more sustainable development, BESs are expected to play a more central role in wastewater management.

[^1^]: Pant, D., Singh, A., Van Bogaert, G., Olsen, S. I., Nigam, P. S., Diels, L., & Vanbroekhoven, K. (2012). Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) for sustainable energy production and product recovery from organic wastes and industrial wastewaters. Rsc Advances, 2(4), 1248-1263.
[^2^]: Logan, B. E. (2008). Microbial Fuel Cells. John Wiley & Sons.
[^3^]: Rozendal, R. A., Hamelers, H. V. M., Rabaey, K., Keller, J., & Buisman, C. J. N. (2008). Towards practical implementation of bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment. Trends in Biotechnology, 26(8), 450-459.

In an increasingly resource-conscious world, the pursuit of sustainable, renewable energy has never been more imperative. Astoundingly, one potential solution exists where you’d least expect it: in wastewater. Scientists have developed technologies which harness the power of bioelectricity generation from wastewater, turning waste into watts.

The Magic of Microbes

The key actors in this process are specialized bacteria referred to as electricigens. These remarkable microbes metabolize organic matter present in wastewater, and during this process, they release electrons. It’s these electrons that can be harvested to generate electricity [^1^].

The Process: From Waste to Watts

The process of generating electricity from wastewater takes place within the confines of an innovative device known as the Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

1. The wastewater, shedding organic matter, is placed in the MFC’s anaerobic (oxygen-free) anode chamber.
2. The electricigens within the anode chamber consume the organic matter.
3. In the course of this metabolic process, electrons and protons are produced.
4. The electrons move towards the cathode through an external circuit – creating an electrical current.
5. At the same time, protons pass through a proton exchange membrane to the cathode.
6. Eventually, electrons, protons, and oxygen in the cathode chamber combine to form water.

In summary, from what is essentially pollution, the ingenious MFC technology generates electricity, and concurrently, helps treat wastewater [^2^].

The Benefits and Challenges

Bioelectricity generation cleans the environment, provides renewable energy, and reduces water treatment costs. However, current MFCs are not without challenges. Achieving high efficiency and scalability are among the crucial issues needing attention. Nevertheless, with continued research and technological development, the future of wastewater-to-energy looks bright [^3^].

Embarking on a Cleaner Path

The possibility of sewage treatment plants becoming power stations is fascinating. Generating bioelectricity from wastewater is not just about pursuing renewable energy; it’s also about approaching wastewater not as a problem, but as a beneficial resource. As the technology matures, our attitude towards wastewater might just turn from disgust to appreciation.

Moving on, we, as a society, need to invest more in research, development and deployment of these innovative, eco-friendly technologies. As the old adage goes, where there’s muck, there’s brass. And what’s better than turning waste into valuable resources!

[^1^]: Logan, Bruce E. (2009) “Exoelectrogenic bacteria that power microbial fuel cells.” Nature Reviews Microbiology
[^2^]: Pant, D., Van Bogaert, G., Diels, L., & Vanbroekhoven, K. (2010). “A review of the substrates used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for sustainable energy production.” Bioresource Technology, 101(6), 1533-1543.
[^3^]: Wang, V., & Ren, Z. (2013). “A comprehensive review of microbial electrochemical systems as a platform technology.” Biotechnology Advances, 31(8), 1796-1807.

Recommendations to combat climate change are constantly urging us to gravitate towards renewable energy. Thankfully, technological advancements have opened doors to capture energy from sources that are not usually considered. One such source is wastewater, which is emerging as a significant source of potential renewable energy. While wastewater management is recognized for its environmental significance, many are not aware of its latent energy potential. Leveraging this potential can generate renewable energy besides assisting with wastewater treatment.

How Does It Work?

The processing of wastewater generates biogas, a byproduct of organic material decomposition, often discarded as a waste product. However, with appropriate technology, this biogas can be harvested for heat and power generation. Wastewater houses various microorganisms. These microbes consume pollutants in the wastewater and generate electricity as a byproduct [^1^].

Furthermore, advancements in microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has provided new avenues to harness the power of these microbes to produce electricity. MFCs generate electricity by using the bacteria present in wastewater to oxidize organic matter. This interaction, in effect, creates a biological battery, by converting energy stored in wastewater into electricity.

Benefits & Applications

In wastewater management, any process that can reduce financial expenditure while maintaining efficiency can be groundbreaking, and generating renewable energy from wastewater promises such. Besides offsetting treatment costs, this technology can also make treatment plants self-sufficient, reducing reliance on external power sources [^2^].

The energy produced can be used for numerous applications, including facilities maintenance, heating or powering systems in wastewater treatment plants, thereby reducing energy costs. Moreover, if scaled up, it could potentially serve small communities or power wastewater treatment plants off-grid, bringing sustainability to a new level.

Challenges & Future Prospects

Despite its obvious benefits, renewable energy from wastewater is not yet widespread, primarily because implementing the technology to extract energy from wastewater is costly and can prove to be technically complex.

Nevertheless, as scientists and engineers continue to design more efficient MFCs and affordable processes, the future of renewable energy from wastewater holds immense promise. Ongoing research in this field aims to scale up these systems to make this technology a commonplace in wastewater treatment plants around the world[^3^].

Clean energy, environmental preservation, and efficient wastewater management – all packaged into one system, is an opportunity we cannot afford to overlook. As renewable energy from wastewater continues to evolve, it is set to drive not just green energy transition, but also sustainable water management.

[^1^]: Logan BE, Rabaey K. Conversion of wastes into bioelectricity and chemicals by using microbial electrochemical technologies. Science. 2012;337(6095):686-690. [^2^]: McCarty PL, Bae J, Kim J. Domestic wastewater treatment as a net energy producer–can this be achieved?. Environmental Science & Technology. 2011;45(17):7100-7106. [^3^]: Heidrich ES, Edwards SR, Dolfing J, Cotterill SE, Curtis TP. Performance of a pilot scale microbial electrolysis cell fed on domestic wastewater at ambient temperatures for a 12 month period. Bioresource technology. 2014;173:87-95.

In the modern age where electricity demand is constantly on the rise, unconventional methods of energy generation are gaining more attention. One of these emerging methods is the production of bioelectricity from wastewater. This innovative technology holds immense potential for sustainable energy generation and effective wastewater management.

Wastewater, generally disposed of as waste, possesses elements that can be transformed into a power source. With the right approach and technology, this ‘waste’ can become a significant contributor to the energy future of the world.

How Does It Work?

In the bioelectricity generation process, specific microbes known as “exoelectrogens” play a crucial role. These organisms oxidize the organic material in wastewater and release electrons. Using a device called a microbial fuel cell (MFC), these electrons can be captured and used to generate electricity.

The MFC is comprised of two compartments – the anode and the cathode. The exoelectrogens in the wastewater release electrons to the anode. These electrons are then transported to the cathode. In the final process, these electrons combine with protons and oxygen in the cathode to produce water, thereby completing the circuit and generating a flow of electricity.

Environmental Impact and Benefits

Aside from generating electricity, this process is immensely beneficial to the environment. Wastewater treatment generally requires a substantial amount of energy. By producing bioelectricity, not only does this process reduce the cost of wastewater treatment, but it also combats the issue of water pollution by processing wastewater more effectively.

Moreover, the generation of bioelectricity from wastewater reduces the dependence on fossil fuels for energy production, significantly mitigating the release of greenhouse gases and contributing to the fight against climate change.

Challenges and Future Scope

Though promising, this technology is still in its nascent stages and faces a few challenges. Improving the efficiency of microbial fuel cells and making it feasible on a large, industrial scale are key areas that researchers are currently focussing on. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of this technology undoubtedly make it a field worth exploring.

As we look towards the future, the generation of bioelectricity from wastewater has the potential to become a key player in the global energy landscape. By transforming what we have long seen as ‘waste’ into a resource, we can define a new path in our journey towards renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Sources

1. Logan, Bruce E. et al. “Microbial Fuel Cells: Methodology and Technology.” Environmental Science & Technology, American Chemical Society (ACS), 17 Jul 2006, link

2. Gajda, Iwona et al. “The challenges of scaling up microbial fuel cell technology for real world wastewater treatment applications.” Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), 29 Sep 2019, link

3. Rozendal, René A. et al. “Towards practical implementation of bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment.” Trends in Biotechnology, 11 Jul 2008, link

Water is an indispensable resource, and treating wastewater has always been a significant concern to maintain environmental health. But what if we look at wastewater not as a burden but as a potential resource? Fascinatingly, wastewater has emerged as a promising source of renewable energy in recent years.

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment, a necessary step in the urban water cycle, consumes a vast amount of energy, attributed mainly to the activated sludge process. However, advancements in biotechnology have paved the way for the extraction of energy locked inside this ‘waste.’ Scientists are turning to wastewater to produce sustainable energy and capitalize on the green revolution.

Wastewater – An Energy Bank

It might surprise you, but wastewater is a rich storehouse of chemical energy. Organic matter that exists in wastewater can be converted into bioenergy, and what tops it off – this source is renewable and inexhaustible. If leveraged on a grand scale, wastewater can provide a sustainable solution to the increasing energy demands, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) – The Game Changer

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) play a crucial role in this entire process. MFCs use organic matter in water and convert it into electricity, thanks to the bacteria that act as bio-catalysts. These systems hold tremendous potential for energy-efficient wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the byproduct of this process is relatively clean water (though not drinkable) that can be recycled for various industrial or agricultural purposes.

The Big Picture

Imagine cities where treatment plants are not just wastewater disposal facilities, but are local energy centers providing power to the grid. It may seem like a fantastic future but with the rapid advancements in the field, it could soon be a reality. Harnessing potential energy from wastewater not only provides an eco-friendly power source but also curtails greenhouse emissions – a double whammy for combating climate change.

The path towards transforming wastewater into renewable energy is not devoid of challenges, notably in the scalability and efficiency of the technology. However, continuous research and development in this dynamic field promise brighter prospects.

Even in its nascent stage, wastewater energy shows promise as a gamechanger in our strategies toward sustainable living, opening up new horizons for cleaner, greener energy solutions.

Sources
1. Logan, B. E., & Rabaey, K. (2012). Conversion of wastes into bioelectricity and chemicals by using microbial electrochemical technologies. Science, 337(6095), 686-690. Link
2. Heidrich, E. S., Curtis, T. P., & Dolfing, J. (2011). Determination of the internal chemical energy of wastewater. Environmental science & technology, 45(2), 827-832. Link
3. Pant, D., Van Bogaert, G., Diels, L., & Vanbroekhoven, K. (2010). A review of the substrates used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for sustainable energy production. Bioresource technology, 101(6), 1533-1543. Link

Anode respiring bacteria are a special class of microorganisms specialized in extracellular electron transfer. They possess the unique ability to breathe minerals as others breathe air and have the potential to revolutionize the field of wastewater treatment. Recently, these tiny bacteria are gaining increasing attention in microbial fuel cells (MFCs)—an innovative green technology that utilizes the metabolic activities of bacteria to convert organic waste into electricity.

The Role of Anode Respiring Bacteria in MFCs

The primary mechanism of MFCs starts with a microbial cocktail (containing anode respiring microorganisms) converting organic material in wastewater into carbon dioxide, protons, and electrons. These bacteria then transfer the electrons to the anode, completing the oxidation process of organic compounds and generating an electric current. At this point, the bacteria act as catalysts for electron transfer from organic matter to the anode [^1^].

Understanding the unique metabolic pathways of anode respiring bacteria offers promising advancements in developing efficient MFCs. Particularly, it can help harness energy from wastewater by optimizing microbial populations’ biodiversity and metabolic efficiency.

Advantages of Anode Respiring Bacteria

An energy-efficient, waste-to-energy converter like MFCs utilizing the prowess of anode respiring bacteria can offer multiple advantages. Primarily, it provides a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment while simultaneously generating electricity. Furthermore, these bacteria can facilitate the degradation of complex pollutants in the wastewater, enhancing the water quality [^2^]. This provides a dual benefit by addressing the critical issue of energy scarcity and offering an innovative approach to waste management and water treatment.

Conclusion: Era of Microbial Power

Striking the perfect balance between sustainable energy generation and efficient wastewater treatment might be the puzzle that anode-respiring bacteria help solve. By investing in advanced MFCs research, we might soon usher in an era where our sewage treatment plants are also power plants, all thanks to these tiny electricity-generating microbes.

Overall, the role of anode-respiring bacteria in transforming wastewater treatment systems into bio-energy resources is groundbreaking. It not only offers promising potential for clean and renewable energy but also triggers a paradigm shift for waste-to-energy technologies.

References

[^1^]: Rabaey, K., & Verstraete, W. (2005). Microbial fuel cells: novel biotechnology for energy generation. Trends in Biotechnology, 23(6), 291-298.

[^2^]: Lovley, D. R. (2006). Bug juice: harvesting electricity with microorganisms. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 4(7), 497-508.

[^3^]: Logan, B. E., & Rabaey, K. (2012). Conversion of wastes into bioelectricity and chemicals by using microbial electrochemical technologies. Science, 337(6095), 686-690.

In the current epoch of energy revolution, we are setting our sight on alternative and renewable energy resources. Amid all, the generation of bioelectricity from wastewater has emerged as a promising solution. Through utilizing the biochemical energy present in wastewater, we can produce electricity, and also treat the wastewater concurrently[^1^].

How Does it Work?

The generation of bioelectricity from wastewater operates primarily on the principle of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. MFC is a bio-electrochemical system that harnesses the power of bacteria to convert organic waste matter into electricity[^2^].

In a typical MFC, bacteria interact with the anode electrode, breaking down the organic substance present in the wastewater. During this process, electrons are released and transferred to the anode. These electrons then migrate to the cathode through an external circuit, generating an electric current.

Advantages of Wastewater Generated Bioelectricity

The primary benefits of wastewater-generated bioelectricity are twofold.

1. Sustainable Energy: Tapping into wastewater for electricity enables us to transform waste into a valuable resource. With rampant population growth and industrial development, wastewater generation is inevitable. Thus, it presents a reliable and sustainable energy source.

2. Wastewater Treatment: Wastewater is a significant global concern due to its massive environmental implications. By integrating energy production with wastewater treatment, we can manage the wastewater problem more effectively. Moreover, the treated water can be reused in several ways, multiplying the benefits[^3^].

Challenges and Future Direction

Despite its potential, the bioelectricity generation from wastewater has yet to become mainstream. Issues relate to the scalability of the system, the power density produced by the MFCs, and the cost-effectiveness of this method remain. Technological advancements and further research can help overcome these challenges and maximize the efficiency and output of these systems.

In a world grappling with energy issues and environmental problems, the concept of bioelectricity from wastewater introduces a ray of hope. As research progresses, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this technology emerging as a strong contender in the renewable energy market.

[^1^]: ScienceDaily: Power from sewage
[^2^]: U.S. Department of Energy: Harvesting electrical energy from waste heat
[^3^]: Bioresource Technology: Electricity from wastewater -Sustainable power stations

Piles of waste are usually associated with pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. But what if the tables could turn? What if wastewater could become a major player in renewable energy generation? This idea might sound far-fetched, but it is becoming more of a reality thanks to innovative scientific research and development.

Wastewater: A Potential Energy Source

Wastewater generated from human activities such as bathing, washing, cooking, and industrial operations is an abundant substance that we often dismiss. However, it’s packed with valuable resources such as organic compounds, nutrients, and even energy in the form of biogas that can be harnessed [^1^].

Harnessing Energy from Wastewater

One exciting approach to extract energy from wastewater is through the use of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). MFCs are devices that use bacteria as the catalysts to oxidize organic and inorganic matter and generate current. By converting chemical energy to electrical energy, MFCs can proficiently reclaim energy from wastewater while using the remaining byproduct for other useful purposes like irrigation [^2^].

The Dual Benefit: Energy and Environment

Apart from being a renewable energy source, using wastewater for energy generation is also a sustainable waste management strategy. This process drastically reduces the quantity of waste that gets dumped into landfills or into the ocean, thus curbing environmental pollution.

Moreover, the dependency on fossil fuels for energy can be potentially curbed with widespread usage of MFCs, thereby helping reduce CO₂ emissions in the long run and contributing to climate change mitigation.

Challenges and Future Prospect

While microbial fuel cells present a promising future, they are currently hindered by technical and economical challenges, such as low power output and high construction and maintenance costs. However, thanks to new technological advancements and increased funding, it’s possible that we will see a future where wastewater treatment plants double as power stations.

Despite the challenges, the benefits and potential of transforming wastewater into renewable energy cannot be ignored. It is an innovative and sustainable solution that has the potential to revolutionize the energy and wastewater management sectors. Mitigating the crisis of climate change and energy shortage requires a multidimensional approach, and converting wastewater to renewable energy can undoubtedly be one of those dimensions.

In conclusion, wastewater is no longer merely an issue of waste management—it is an untapped resource that could bolster our renewable energy sources. By harnessing renewable energy from wastewater, we move one step closer to a more sustainable and energy-equipped future.

[^1^]: Wastewater: The Untapped Resource

[^2^]: Renewable Energy Generation from Waste Waters

[^3^]: Microbial fuel cells: From fundamentals to applications