The aim of this study was to utilize the biocathode microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) for sulfate removal from wastewater. Experiments were conducted using the two-chambered MEC under fed-batch and continuous flow modes, respectively, with different cathode potentials. With the fed-batch operation, the average reductive rate of sulfate was 0.49 mg d (-1) and the sulfide concentration increased to 3.1 +/- 0.7 mg L (1) in the catholyte. Sulfate removal rate and electron production rate in the continuous flow mode were 49% and 11 times higher than in the fed-batch mode. With cathode potentials from -0.6 to 1.0 V, electron recovery efficiencies ranged from 5.3% to 50% with the maximum obtained at 0.8 V. The maximum sulfate removal efficiency of (39 +/- 9.2)% was achieved at -0.9 V. This study suggests the MEC can be a valuable alternative to remove sulfate in wastewater treatment. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.