Biological conversion and revalorization of waste methane streams. Issue 22 (17th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lebrero, R.; Chandran, K.
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in environmental science and technology. Volume 47:Issue 22(2017)
• Page Start: 2133
• Page End: 2157
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17
• Subjects: Biogas upgrading -- methanol -- waste methane revalorization; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2017.1415059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-3389

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Methane-laden anthropogenic emissions are widely variable in terms of methane (CH4 ) concentration depending on their source, ranging from <3% up to 80% of CH4 as in biogas. Diluted emissions are commonly flared or directly vented to the atmosphere, while CH4 concentrations exceeding 20% allow for energy production by direct combustion. Nevertheless, these practices entail a loss of potential energy and/or detrimental effects to the environment resulting from the release of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4 ) directly to the atmosphere. In this context, the implementation of low-cost, environmentally friendly biotechnologies aiming not only at abating CH4 from these off-gases but targeting its revalorization represents a sustainable alternative from both an economic and environmental point of view. This review critically presents the state-of-the-art of biotechnologies devoted to the revalorization of anthropogenic CH4 emissions, with a special focus on the bioconversion to methanol of the CH4 contained in diluted streams and on the biological upgrading of the biogas to biomethane.