Algae biochar enhanced methanogenesis by enriching specific methanogens at low inoculation ratio during sludge anaerobic digestion. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Qian; Zhang, Chao; Wu, Ping; Ding, Peng; Zhang, Yan; Cui, Min-hua; Liu, He
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 338(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion -- Sewage sludge -- Methanogenic improvement -- Algae biochar -- Inoculation ratio; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125493
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The effects of algae biochar at different inoculation ratios were investigated. Biochar enhanced methanogenesis at the lower ratios but not at the higher ratio. Methanogenic improvements at low ratios were not due to initial OLR increment. Microbial community structures at low ratios were all significantly changed. Biochar addition at low ratios was more favorable for Methanosarcina enrichment. Abstract: Carbon materials are promising in improving the performance of anaerobic digestion, however, interactive mechanisms between the carbon-based enhancement and operating parameters remained unclear. Using anaerobic digested sludge as inoculum, the effects of Taihu blue algae biochar (ABC) on methanogenesis at different inoculation ratios were investigated during sludge anaerobic digestion. Results showed that ABC enhanced methane productions at the lower inoculation ratios (4% and 1%, v/v), but not at the higher ratio (10%, v/v). Mechanism analysis demonstrated methanogenic improvements at the lower inoculation ratios were not owing to initial organic loading rate increments. Otherwise, ABC addition at the lower inoculation ratios were more favorable for the enrichment of Methanosarcina than the higher ratio, which might be benefit for methanogenesis through directed interspecies electron transfer. Thus, for the improvement of sludge anaerobic digestion, the microbial enrichments at different inoculation ratios would be more important than the merely biochar addition.