Abstract:Iron-reducing bacteria are typical dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria that are widespread in nature, including marine sediments and deep formations. These bacteria can reduce the Fe(III) of iron oxides to Fe(II) and play an important role in the biogeochemical iron cycle of iron and carbon. Aside from Fe(III), other high valence state metals and organic pollutants can also serve as the terminal electron acceptors of iron-reducing bacteria; therefore, these bacteria can be utilized for the pollution remediation of soil/groundwater and toxicity reduction. In microbial electrochemical systems, the electrons produced by the oxidation of organic matter by iron-reducing bacteria can be directly transferred to the electrode to generate electricity. Many microbial electrochemical technologies have been developed and are commonly used in wastewater regeneration and energy conversion fields, including microbial fuel cells, microbial electrolysis cells, microbial desalination cells, microbial fuel cells coupled with Fenton processes, and photocatalytic microbial fuel cells, which are utilized for microbial power generation, biosensors, biological hydrogen production, directional fermentation, seawater desalination, pollutant decomposition, and mineralization. Here, we summarize research progress on iron-reducing bacteria, including metabolic mechanisms, micro-ecological functions, environmental remediation, water regeneration, and energy conversion. We highlight outstanding questions in the study of iron-reducing bacteria and point out directions meriting future research. Generally, this review will aid both theoretical and applied studies of iron-reducing bacteria.