A novel three-chambered microbial desalination cell (MDC) was designed for evaluating desalination of synthetic ground water with simultaneous energy generation and resource recovery. The specific design enabled efficient interelectrode communication by reducing the distance of separation and also maintained an appropriate surface area to volume ratio. MDC were evaluated in different circuitry modes (open and closed) to assess the desalination efficiency, bioelectricity generation, resource recovery, substrate utilization and bioelectrokinetics. The closed circuit operation has showed efficient desalination efficiency (51.5%) and substrate utilization (70%). Owing to the effective electron transfer kinetics, closed circuit mode of operation showed effective desalination of the synthetic ground water with simultaneous power production (0.35 W/m(2)). Circuitry specific biocatalyst activity was observed with higher peak currents (10.1 mA; -5.98 mA) in closed circuit mode. MDC can function as sustainable and alternative solution for ground and surface water treatment with power productivity and resource recovery. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.