Abstract

Although bioremediation is envisioned as a significant method of reducing groundwater contamination, its application is hampered by the need for chemical addition and the low bioavailability of contaminants or electron donors/acceptors. Since it offers distinct advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, controllability, and treatment effectiveness, electrochemical systems have attracted significant attention as a promising way to improve such processes. For its practical application, there are also possible dangers and sizable engineering difficulties. This review provides the first thorough introduction to this developing technology, explores its possible applications and present difficulties, identifies knowledge gaps, and looks ahead to potential field application opportunities. It is important to have a better understanding of how microbiology behaves when subjected to electrochemical stimulation, as well as the requirements for process monitoring, modelling and assessment techniques, and field research in the future.