Constructed wetland–microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) mediated bio-electrodegradation of azo dyes from textile wastewater.

This article focuses on the use of constructed wetland–microbial fuel cells (CW–MFCs) as a sustainable technology for degrading azo dyes, which constitute 60%–70% of commercially used dyes and are toxic pollutants in textile wastewater. CW–MFCs combine the phytodegradation abilities of wetland plants (e.g., Azolla, water hyacinth, Ipomoea) and microalgae (e.g., Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Chlorella, Anabaena) to break down azo dyes into less harmful compounds while simultaneously generating electricity. This approach addresses limitations of conventional dye degradation methods, offering low cost, renewable energy use, and biomass valorization for biofuel and biofertilizer production, thereby supporting circular economy principles and sustainable development goals. Despite promising laboratory results, challenges remain in scaling up CW–MFCs for industrial application due to low power output and operational stability concerns.