A comprehensive evaluation of contemporary research on photosynthetic microalgal–microbial fuel cells (PM–MFCs) concerning wastewater and pollution remediation, bioelectricity generation, and bioproduct synthesis

• PM-MFCs remediate two major global concerns, CO 2 and wastewater. • Electrodes, membranes, and MFC configuration are crucial for its removal. • PM-MFCs generate bioproducts, bioelectricity, and wastewater reuse. • System innovations greatly improve PM-MFCs’ stable power generation. Rising CO 2 emissions and wastewater discharge threaten ecosystems and human health. Conventional physicochemical treatments are costly and may yield toxic byproducts, whereas biological methods offer safer, sustainable alternatives. Photosynthetic microalgal–microbial fuel cells (PM-MFCs) integrate electrogenic bacteria and microalgae to achieve simultaneous pollutant removal, oxygen generation, and electricity production. The resulting algal biomass also serves as a source of value-added bioproducts. Electrodes, exchange membranes, and microbial fuel cell setups are observed to play a major role in pollutant removal, with CO 2 fixation rate, thus supporting the reuse of water, bioelectricity generation, and bioproduct production. Despite their multifunctional advantages, PM-MFCs encounter challenges in maintaining operational stability under fluctuating environmental conditions, particularly diurnal light–dark cycles and nutrient deficiencies. Sustained redox activity and power generation demand innovative system designs, such as employing microalgae in both anodic and cathodic chambers to enable adaptive responses to variable photoperiods. This strategy enables resilient, self-sustaining PM-MFCs capable of continuous power generation without external nutrients, while supporting scalable production of electricity and value-added bioproducts. The recovered biomass can further supplement nutrients for living microalgae, promoting carbon–neutral, sustainable development and advancing real-world applicability.