In this study, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) was combined with the Fenton-like technology to simultaneously generate electricity and degrade refractory contaminants in both anode and cathode chambers. The maximum power density achieved was 15.9 W/m(3) at an initial pH of 3.0 in the MFC. In the anode chamber, approximately 100% of furfural and 96% COD were removed at the end of a cycle. In the cathode chamber, the Fenton-like reaction with FeVO(4) as a catalyst enhanced the removal of AO7 and COD. The removal rates of AO7 and COD reached 89% and 81%, respectively. The optimal pH value and FeVO(4) dosage toward degrading AO7 were about 3.0 and 0.8 g, respectively. Furthermore, a two-way catalyst mechanism of FeVO(4) and the contaminant degradation pathway in the MFC were explored. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.