Halophyte-based approach to improving performance of plant microbial fuel cells at high salinity

This study improves plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) performance at high salinity using a halophyte-based approach and rhizosphere cathode placement. Integrated plant–water treatments were established for sub-irrigated PMFCs (cultivation with Nandina domestica with tap water, Epipremnum aureum with 30 mM NaCl, and halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum with 600 mM NaCl), and air-exposed and rhizosphere cathodes were compared. Rhizosphere cathodes produced higher terminal open-circuit voltages and closed-circuit currents across all three treatments, M. crystallinum–NaCl treatment exhibited the best electrochemical performance, and bacterial community profiles showed treatment-associated differences. Overall, rhizosphere cathode placement and M. crystallinum–NaCl treatment provided the best bioelectrochemical conditions.