Vol. 25, No. 2 (2026), IA26757 https://doi.org/10.24275/rmiq/IA26757

Proposed constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell system for decentralized wastewater treatment and energy generation

 

Authors

J. E. Álvarez-Ley, M. Diaz-Rico, J. Ayala-Sánchez, C. Vales-Pinzón, L. San-Pedro

Abstract

This study presents the conceptual design and theoretical simulation of a constructed wetland system coupled with microbial fuel cells (CW-MFC) for decentralized wastewater treatment in non-residential settings. Four configurations were evaluated by combining two filtering substrates (quartz sand and activated carbon) and the inclusion or exclusion of an Imhoff tank as a pretreatment stage, considering a system designed for a population of 50 people under the climatic conditions of Yucatán, Mexico. Using a simulation model based on data reported in the literature, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and bioelectricity generation were estimated. The results indicated that configurations employing activated carbon achieved higher COD removal efficiencies and improved energy performance. Although the incorporation of an Imhoff tank reduced the influent organic load, it also limited the potential for energy generation. Overall, this study provides a technical and methodological basis for the preliminary design and integrated evaluation of CW-MFC systems in decentralized scenarios.

Keywords

Constructed wetland, microbial fuel cell, bioelectricity, wastewater treatment.

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