Abstract: A process comprising A) providing a microbial fuel cell comprising art anode, a cathode, microbes in contact with the anode, a conduit for electrons connecting the anode to the cathode, wherein the conduit is contained within the microbial fuel cell or current is introduced to the microbial fuel cell through the conduit; B) contacting the fluid containing biodegradable material with the anode in the presence of microbes; C) contacting the cathode with an oxygen containing gas; D) removing the fluid from the location of the anode. In one preferred embodiment the conduit for electrons is connected to a source of current, in another embodiment the fuel cell, is operated under conditions such that the voltage of the current applied to the fuel cell is from greater than 0 and about 0.2 volts. Preferably the microbial fuel cell produces from greater than 0 kWh/fcg chemical oxygen demand to about 5 kWh/kg chemical oxygen demand.