A Comprehensive Review on Emerging and Micropollutant Removal Using Electrochemical and Bioelectrochemical Techniques

Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to the widespread occurrence of emerging contaminants and micropollutants in water sources, posing a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health. Traditional water treatment methods often fall short in efficiently removing these complex and persistent pollutants. In recent years, electrochemical and bioelectrochemical techniques have emerged as promising and sustainable alternatives for the removal of emerging contaminants and micropollutants. As the global community strives to address water pollution challenges, the integration of electrochemical and bioelectrochemical techniques presents a promising avenue for the development of efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions for the removal of emerging contaminants and micropollutants from water sources. This review highlights the recent advancements and applications of electrochemical and bioelectrochemical processes in the removal of a diverse range of emerging contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Electrochemical methods such as electrocoagulation, electrooxidation, and electrochemical adsorption have demonstrated high efficacy in the degradation and removal of these pollutants. Furthermore, bioelectrochemical systems, harnessing the power of microbial metabolism, have shown great potential in enhancing pollutant removal through processes such as microbial fuel cells, bioelectrochemical reactors, and enzymatic bioelectrodes. The synergistic combination of electrochemical and biological mechanisms offers a versatile and sustainable approach for the remediation of water contaminated with micropollutants. This review explores the underlying mechanisms, key factors influencing performance, and recent developments in electrode materials and microbial consortia for enhanced pollutant removal. Additionally, the economic feasibility and scalability of electrochemical and bioelectrochemical technologies for large-scale water treatment are discussed.