Enhancing water desalination and power generation in microbial desalination cells: A comprehensive review of effective parameters and structural types for optimal performance

The microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a modern technology where wastewater treatment, saline water desalination, and power production processes are performed simultaneously. MDCs are a modified type of microbial fuel cell (MFC) that use bacteria to generate electricity while also purifying saltwater. In MDCs, the bacteria break down organic matter and release electrons, which are captured by the anode and transferred through a circuit to the cathode. As the saltwater flows through the system, it loses salt ions and becomes more purified. This review paper investigates the impact of various parameters on MDC, including temperature, pH, hydraulic retention time, and internal resistance. It also examines different MDC structures, such as stack, quadruple, reverse osmosis, and bipolar membrane, and assesses their effects on increasing power generation and desalination rates. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each structure are studied. Finally, considering the simultaneous effect of parameters and the type of structure, an optimal model is proposed. In the future, genetic engineering and advanced materials may enhance microbial electrogenic activity, and diverse wastewater can be investigated. Life cycle and exergy analyses will evaluate environmental impact, and pilot studies will assess large-scale practicality.