Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are the technology that utilizes microorganism to convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy. MFCs have attracted more and more attention without external energy consumption and secondary pollution during operation. Soil is the “natural medium” for exoelectrogenic microorganisms

it contains various organic matters and large microbial population. In recent years

soil MFCs have shown great research and application potential in electricity generation

soil pollution evaluation and restoration. In this paper

recent research and application of MFCs in electricity generation

organic pollutants degradation

heavy metal pollution remediation

greenhouse gas reduction

biosensors etc

are comprehensively introduced; the reactor configuration

electrodes and the populations of exoelectrogenic microorganisms in the current research of soil MFCs are summarized; and the main issues in the research and application of soil MFCs and research prospects are proposed.