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Jadhav DA, Yu Z, Hussien M, Kim JH, Liu W, Eisa T, Sharma M, Vinayak V, Jang JK, Wilberforce Awotwe T, Wang A, Chae KJ. Paradigm shift in Nutrient-Energy-Water centered sustainable wastewater treatment system through synergy of bioelectrochemical system and anaerobic digestion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 396:130404. [PMID: 38336215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
With advancements in research and the necessity of improving the performance of bioelectrochemical system (BES), coupling anaerobic digestion (AD) with BES is crucial for energy gain from wastewater and bioremediation. Hybridization of BES-AD concept opens new avenues for pollutant degradation, carbon capture and nutrient-resource recovery from wastewater. The strength of merging BES-AD lies in synergy, and this approach was employed to differentiate fads from strategies with the potential for full-scale implementation and making it an energy-positive system. The integration of BES and AD system increases the overall performance and complexity of combined system and the cost of operation. From a technical standpoint, the primary determinants of BES-AD feasibility for field applications are the scalability and economic viability. High potential market for such integrated system attract industrial partners for more industrial trials and investment before commercialization. However, BES-AD with high energy efficacy and negative economics demands performance boost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak A Jadhav
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhe Yu
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Mohammed Hussien
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenzong Liu
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Tasnim Eisa
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea
| | - Mukesh Sharma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Vandana Vinayak
- Diatom Nanoengineering and Metabolism Laboratory (DNM), School of Applied Science, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central University, Sagar, MP 470003, India
| | - Jae-Kyoung Jang
- National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Engineering Energy and Environmental Engineering Division, 310 Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tabbi Wilberforce Awotwe
- Department of Engineering, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Aijie Wang
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Kyu-Jung Chae
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Alam M, Dhar BR. Boosting thermophilic anaerobic digestion with conductive materials: Current outlook and future prospects. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140175. [PMID: 37714472 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD) can provide superior process kinetics, higher methane yields, and more pathogen destruction than mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD). However, the broader application of TAD is still very limited, mainly due to process instabilities such as the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and ammonia inhibition in the digesters. An emerging technique to overcome the process disturbances in TAD and enhance the methane production rate is to add conductive materials (CMs) to the digester. Recent studies have revealed that CMs can promote direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) among the microbial community, increasing the TAD performance. CMs exhibited a high potential for alleviating the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and inhibition caused by high ammonia levels. However, the types, properties, sources, and dosage of CMs can influence the process outcomes significantly, along with other process parameters such as the organic loading rates and the type of feedstocks. Therefore, it is imperative to critically review the recent research to understand the impacts of using different CMs in TAD. This review paper discusses the types and properties of CMs applied in TAD and the mechanisms of how they influence methanogenesis, digester start-up time, process disturbances, microbial community, and biogas desulfurization. The engineering challenges for industrial-scale applications and environmental risks were also discussed. Finally, critical research gaps have been identified to provide a framework for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monisha Alam
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada.
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Mohammad Mirsoleimani Azizi S, Zakaria BS, Haffiez N, Ranjan Dhar B. Granular activated carbon remediates antibiotic resistance propagation and methanogenic inhibition induced by polystyrene nanoplastics in sludge anaerobic digestion. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 377:128938. [PMID: 36948429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nano/microplastics (NPs/MPs) in sewage sludge can induce oxidative stress to the anaerobic digestion (AD) and also proliferate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Recently, granular activated carbon (GAC) has been used as an additive to enhance methane production in AD via direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET); however, its impact on AD exposed to NPs/MPs is yet to be studied. This study examined the effect of GAC (5 and 15 g/L) on sludge AD exposed to 150 µg/L of polystyrene nanoplastics (PsNPs). PsNPs decreased methane yield by 32.3% due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. However, GAC addition counteracted this adverse effect and improved methane production, attributed to the potential enrichment of DIET-active microbes and the adsorption of PsNPs by GAC. Moreover, GAC reduced the total abundance of ARGs, which was increased by PsNPs exposure. Thus, GAC can provide dual benefits in mitigating methanogenic inhibition caused by PsNPs and ARG spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Nervana Haffiez
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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Li R, Lu H, Fu Z, Wang X, Li Q, Zhou J. Effect of riboflavin and carbon black co-modified fillers coupled with alkaline pretreatment on anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115531. [PMID: 36822537 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Additional various carbon and free riboflavin could improve anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS). However, these substances were not reused. In this study, a reusable riboflavin and carbon black (RCB) co-modified filler was developed and combined with alkaline pretreatment for enhancing the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and methane during anaerobic digestion of WAS. The results showed that RCB-modified fillers exhibited a promoting effect on the reduction of alkali-pretreated WAS. The amounts of the accumulated VFAs mainly containing acetate and the produced methane rose with the increased concentration of immobilized riboflavin (0-0.75 g/L) in the presence of 4 g/L carbon black. When the alkaline pretreatment time of WAS increased from 3 d to 8 d, the amount of methane production increased from 22.8% to 63.9% in the presence of 0.75 g/L riboflavin and 4 g/L carbon black compared with that without RCB-modified fillers. Moreover, 0.75 g/L riboflavin and 4 g/L carbon black had a synergetic effect on promoting methane production via broadening extracellular electron transfer pathways. During this process, microbial dehydrogenase activity, electron transport system activity and coenzyme F420 were enhanced. Microbial community analysis showed that RCB-modified filler addition promoted the enrichment of Syntrophomonas and Pseudomonas involved in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET). These results indicated that DIET establishment was accelerated. Meanwhile, the populations of acetic acid-producing bacteria including Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Proteiniphilum, aceticlastic and acid-tolerant methanogenic archaea including Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta, RumEn_M2 were increased. These results indicate that RCB-modified fillers coupled with alkaline pretreatment is an effective method to promote the production of methane during anaerobic digestion of WAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruobing Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Ze Fu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Qiansheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jiti Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
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Li J, Yao Y, Shi Y, Tang J, Gadow SI, Liu R, Niu Q. [Bmim]FeCl 4 mediated inhibition and toxicity during anaerobic digestion: Dose-response kinetics, biochar-dependent detoxification and microbial resistance. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 210:117969. [PMID: 34952458 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
[Bmim]FeCl4, or 1‑butyl‑3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroferrate, is a typical ionic liquid (IL). Its recyclable, magnetic, multicomponent, and solvent-free nature makes it a particularly attractive ionic liquid for use in industrial processes. Despite its widespread use, the potential hazards that [Bmim]FeCl4 might pose to the environment, including productive microorganisms, have not been explored. In this study, the dose-response of [Bmim]FeCl4 in anaerobic digestion (AD) was investigated to assess the potential toxification and biochar-dependent detoxification in microbial communities, including enzymatic activity and molecule docking dynamics. Our results showed that methane production (31.52 mLmax/gVS) was sharply inhibited following [Bmim]FeCl4 treatment. Moreover, increasing the dosage of [Bmim]FeCl4 caused more dissolved organic matter (DOM) to be generated. Interestingly, 0.4 g/L of [Bmim]FeCl4 could stimulate the high activity of microbial hydrolase and ATPase. However, a higher concentration of 2.65 g/L prevented these enzymatic processes from continuing. At the cellular level, higher concentration of [Bmim]FeCl4 (>0.4 g/L) increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, leading to a higher cell lethal rate and weakening of the secondary structures of protein (especially, the amide I region). At the molecular level, the competitive H-bonding in the active sites caused low activity and consummated more energy. At the community level, structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that [Bmim]FeCl4 and biochar were the main drivers for microbial community succession. For instance, high [Bmim]FeCl4 (8 g/L) benefited the growth of Clostridium sensu_stricto (from ≤1% to 27%). It is worth mentioning that biochar reversed the inhibition with high α-diversity, which caused a resurgence in the activity of previously inhibited ATPase and hydrolase. H2-trophic methanogens (Methanolinea and Methaofastidisoum) were sensitive to [Bmim]FeCl4 and decreased linearly while acetoclastic methanogens (Methanosaeta) were unchanged. These findings were consistent with the short-term activity tests and further verified by functional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China; China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China
| | - Yilin Yao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China; China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China
| | - Yongsen Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China; China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China
| | - Jingchun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Samir Ibrahim Gadow
- Agriculture and Biology Research Division, Department of Agricultural Microbiology, National Research Centre, 33 EI Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China; China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China
| | - Qigui Niu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China; China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72#Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266237, China.
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6
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Kumar SS, Ghosh P, Kataria N, Kumar D, Thakur S, Pathania D, Kumar V, Nasrullah M, Singh L. The role of conductive nanoparticles in anaerobic digestion: Mechanism, current status and future perspectives. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 280:130601. [PMID: 33945900 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the current scenario, alternative energy sources are the need of the hour. Organic wastes having a larger fraction of biodegradable constituents present a sustainable bioenergy source. It has been reported that the calorific value of biogas generated by anaerobic digestion (AD) is 21-25 MJ/m3 with the treatment which makes it an excellent replacement of natural gas and fossil fuels and can reduce more than 80% greenhouse gas emission to the surroundings. However, there are some limitations associated with the AD process for instance ammonia build-up at the first stage reduces the rate of hydrolysis of biomass, whereas, in the last stage it interferes with methane formation. Owing to special physicochemical properties such as high activity, high reactive surface area, and high specificity, tailor-made conductive nanoparticles can improve the performance of the AD process. In the AD process, H2 is used as an electron carrier, referred as mediated interspecies electron transfer (MIET). Due to the diffusion limitation of these electron carriers, the MIET efficiency is relatively low that limits the methanogenesis. Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), which enables direct cell-to-cell electron transport between bacteria and methanogen, has been considered an alternative efficient approach to MIET that creates metabolically favorable conditions and results in faster conversion of organic acids and alcohols into methane. This paper discusses in detail the application of conductive nanoparticles to enhance the AD process efficiency. Interaction between microbes in anaerobic conditions for electron transfer with the help of CNPs is discussed. Application of a variety of conductive nanomaterials as an additive is discussed with their potential biogas production and treatment enhancement in the anaerobic digestion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita S Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, JC Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, NH-2, Sector-6, Mathura Road, Faridabad, Haryana, 121006, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Navish Kataria
- Department of Environmental Sciences, JC Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, NH-2, Sector-6, Mathura Road, Faridabad, Haryana, 121006, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Sveta Thakur
- Department of Bio Science, Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171005, India
| | - Deepak Pathania
- Central University of Jammu, Bagla (Rahya Suchani), Distt. Samba, J&K, 181143, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Mohd Nasrullah
- Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), 26300, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Lakhveer Singh
- Department of Environmental Science, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522502, India.
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Baek G, Rossi R, Saikaly PE, Logan BE. The impact of different types of high surface area brush fibers with different electrical conductivity and biocompatibility on the rates of methane generation in anaerobic digestion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147683. [PMID: 34004541 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The addition of electrically conductive materials may enhance anaerobic digestion (AD) efficiency by promoting direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between electroactive microorganisms, but an equivalent enhancement can also be achieved using non-conductive materials. Four high surface area brush materials were added to AD reactors: non-conductive horsehair (HB) and polyester (PB), and conductive carbon fiber (CB) and stainless steel (SB) brushes. Reactors with the polyester material showed lower methane production (68 ± 5 mL/g CODfed) than the other non-conductive material (horsehair) and the conductive (graphite or stainless steel) materials (83 ± 3 mL/g CODfed) (p < 0.05). This difference was due in part to the higher biomass concentrations using horsehair or carbon (135 ± 43 mg) than polyester or stainless steel or materials (26 ± 1 mg). A microbial community analysis indicated that the relative abundance of electroactive microorganisms was not directly related to enhanced AD performance. These results show that non-conductive materials such as horsehair can produce the same AD enhancement as conductive materials (carbon or stainless steel). However, if the material, such as polyester, does not have good biomass retention, it will not enhance methane production. Thus, electrical conductivity alone was not responsible for enhancing AD performance. Polyester, which has been frequently used as a non-conductive control material in DIET studies, should not be used for this purpose due to its poor biocompatibility as shown by low biomass retention in AD tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahyun Baek
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ruggero Rossi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Pascal E Saikaly
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Water Desalination and Reuse Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bruce E Logan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 231Q Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Shekhar Bose R, Zakaria BS, Kumar Tiwari M, Ranjan Dhar B. High-rate blackwater anaerobic digestion under septic tank conditions with the amendment of biosolids-derived biochar synthesized at different temperatures. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 331:125052. [PMID: 33812134 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Septic tanks have been widely used for blackwater treatment in developing countries, while high-rate septic tanks with improved methane recovery are yet to be achieved. This study investigated biosolids-derived biochar (synthesized at 300℃, 425℃, and 550℃) as an additive for developing high-rate septic tanks. The experiments were conducted with anaerobic bioreactors operated with synthetic blackwater under septic tank conditions. All biochar amended reactors demonstrated a steady increase in daily methane production for increasing OLR from 0.08 to 3 g COD/L/d. The control reactor showed significant process disturbances at OLRs ≥ 2 g COD/L/d with an accumulation of volatile fatty acids followed by pH drop. At OLR of 3 g COD/L/d, the daily methane production from biochar amended reactors was ~ 4.3 times higher than the control (300 vs. 70 mL per day). Biochar addition established a robust microbiome consisted of a higher abundance of hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogens and hydrogen-producing fermentative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Shekhar Bose
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; School of Water Resources, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, WB, India
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manoj Kumar Tiwari
- School of Water Resources, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, WB, India
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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9
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Du J, Gu M, Yin Q, Wu G. Temporary addition of carbon fibers facilitates methanogenic degradation of ethanol during anaerobic treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 765:142724. [PMID: 33082040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Syntrophic methanogenesis can be improved by the addition of conductive materials. In this study, conductive carbon fibers (CFs) were applied to efficiently enrich syntrophic microorganisms with potential direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) ability and promote methanogenic activity. With ethanol as the substrate, CFs shortened the acclimation time remarkably. The maximum methane production rate and the ethanol degradation rate of suspended biomass were increased by 40% and 68%, respectively, even when CFs were subsequently removed. However, with acetate and propionate as the mixed substrate, CFs decreased the methanogenic activity. In the reactor fed with ethanol, CFs increased the relative abundance of Geobacter, Desulfovibrio, and methanogens by 57%, 39%, and 63%, respectively. Methanosaeta possessed most methane production genes and might involve in DIET. Furthermore, CFs increased the relative abundance of ethanol-degradation genes assigned to Geobacter, Desulfovibrio and Pelobacter, suggesting the promoted ethanol-degradation. The triggered electron transport system activity and acetoclastic methanogenesis also explained the accelerated effects on ethanol-degradation by long-term acclimation with CFs. Notably, the dominance of Geobacter and Methanosaeta combined with the increased electron transfer constant in the CFs-amended ethanol reactor indicated the potential role of DIET after the removal of CFs, which deserved further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Du
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mengqi Gu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qidong Yin
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guangxue Wu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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10
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Du J, Yin Q, Gu M, Wu G. New insights into the effect of ethanol and volatile fatty acids proportions on methanogenic activities and pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110644. [PMID: 33358876 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During anaerobic digestion, methanogenic activities and pathways can be affected by intermediates. Here, the effects of intermediates acetate, propionate, and ethanol on methanogenesis were investigated. Four anaerobic sequencing batch reactors were acclimated with propionate (ASBR_P), ethanol/propionate (ASBR_EP), acetate/propionate (ASBR_AP), and ethanol/acetate/propionate (ASBR_EAP). Ethanol was the easiest one to be biodegraded, thereby enhancing the maximum methane production rate and shortening the lag phase, while the longest acclimation time and lowest methane production rate were observed in ASBR_P. Different microbial communities and syntrophic patterns existed in four reactors. Desulfovibrio and Geobacter were the dominant ethanol-oxidizing bacteria in ASBR_EP and ASBR_EAP, respectively. Both Desulfovibrio and Geobacter possessed the potential of extracellular electron transfer, which might be the advantage of ethanol dosage for enhancing methanogenesis through direct interspecies electron transfer. Methanosarcina was enriched in ASBR_P and ASBR_AP, while Methanosaeta in ASBR_EP and ASBR_EAP. Genes responsible for acetoclastic methanogenesis were significantly enriched in ASBR_EAP, possibly resulting in the highest methanogenic activity from acetate. Results from this study will advance the optimization of practical anaerobic systems, which can be achieved by regulating the intermediates with different fermenting pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Du
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qidong Yin
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Mengqi Gu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Guangxue Wu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Huang Q, Zakaria BS, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Liu Y, Dhar BR. A high-rate anaerobic biofilm reactor for biomethane recovery from source-separated blackwater at ambient temperature. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:61-74. [PMID: 32329182 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic bioreactors for source-separated blackwater are mostly operated at low organic loading rates (OLRs) due to low biodegradability and the potential of ammonia inhibition. In this study, an anaerobic biofilm reactor having conductive carbon fibers as the media was investigated for the high-rate treatment of blackwater collected from vacuum toilets. The bioreactor was operated at different OLRs ranged from 0.77 to 3.01 g COD/L-d in four stages for a total operating period of ~ 250 days. With the increase of OLRs, the specific methane production rate increased from 105.3 to 304.6 ml/L-d with high methane content in biogas (75.5%-83%). The maximum methane yield was achieved at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 15 days. Highest organics and suspended solids removal (80%-83%) were achieved at 20-days HRT, while increased OLRs resulted in diminished removal efficiencies. The state variables, including pH, total ammonia nitrogen, short-chain volatile fatty acids, and soluble chemical oxygen demand, indicated the system had a great capability to withstand the high OLRs. Microbial community analysis revealed that the high performance might be attributed to direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) facilitated by potentially electroactive bacteria (e.g., Syntrophomonas, Clostridium) and electrotrophic archaea (e.g., Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina species) enriched on the carbon fibers. PRACTITIONER POINTS: An anaerobic biofilm reactor was investigated for biomethane recovery from source-separated blackwater. Conductive carbon fibers were utilized as the media to stimulate enrichment of potentially electroactive methanogenic communities. The bioreactor was operated at ambient temperature for over 250 days. High methane production rate and high-quality biogas were achieved at OLRs ranged from 0.77 to 3.01 g COD/L-d. Microbial community analysis suggested direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) between specific electroactive bacteria and electrotrophic archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Basem S Zakaria
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yingdi Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bipro R Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Xie S, Li X, Wang C, Kulandaivelu J, Jiang G. Enhanced anaerobic digestion of primary sludge with additives: Performance and mechanisms. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 316:123970. [PMID: 32791460 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion of primary sludge with different additives, namely nano magnetite, graphite powder, activated carbon powder and NiCl2/CoCl2, were evaluated by biomethane potential tests, kinetics modelling and microbial community analysis. Specific methane yields increased from 136 mL/g VS for primary sludge to 146 mL/g VS, 151 mL/g VS, and 152 mL/g VS for the addition of nano magnetite, graphite powder, and activated carbon powder at optimal dosages, respectively. The first order hydrolysis constant kh increased from 0.488 d-1 to 0.526 d-1, 0.622 d-1, and 0.724 d-1, respectively. Microbial community analysis revealed that the abundance of key bacterial and archaeal populations was positively correlated with hydrolysis and methane production. The enhanced methane production with activated carbon powder was due to shifting methane formation pathway from acetoclastic to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. In contrast, nano magnetite and graphite powder additives enhanced the direct interspecies electron transfer evidenced by increased abundance of Methanosaeta and Methanolinea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihuang Xie
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Xuan Li
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Chengduan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University of Arts and Science, Sichuan, China
| | | | - Guangming Jiang
- School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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Lu JS, Chang JS, Lee DJ. Adding carbon-based materials on anaerobic digestion performance: A mini-review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2020; 300:122696. [PMID: 31928924 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The anaerobic digestion is the adopted to remediate the pollutant and extract the bioenergy from the waste during the treatment. Effects of adding carbon-based materials on enhancement of digestion performance are studied in literature. This paper provided a mini review on the current research efforts on the traditional view on the cytotoxicity of carbon-based materials to the aquatic microorganisms and the novel "adding carbon-based material strategy" for improving the anaerobic digestion performances. The further research needs for comprehending the interactions between the added carbon materials, the substrates and the microorganisms and the impacts of adopting these additives on full-scale operations were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Shun Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan
| | - Duu-Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 40704, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; College of Technology and Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan.
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Lee YJ, Lee DJ. Impact of adding metal nanoparticles on anaerobic digestion performance - A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 292:121926. [PMID: 31409520 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is the most widely adopted biological waste treatment processes with renewable energy production. The effects of adding metal nanoparticles (NPs) on improving digestion performance are well noted. This paper reviewed the traditional view on the cytotoxicity of NPs to living organisms and the contemporary view of mechanisms for enhancement in anaerobic digestion performance in the presence of metal NPs. The complicated interactions acquire further studies for comprehending the physical and chemical interactions of metal NPs to the constituent compounds and to the living cells, and the involvement of mechanisms such as direct interspecies electron transfer for better design and control of the "NP strategy" for anaerobic digestion performance enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Duu-Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; College of Technology and Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan.
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Zakaria BS, Dhar BR. Progress towards catalyzing electro-methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion process: Fundamentals, process optimization, design and scale-up considerations. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 289:121738. [PMID: 31300305 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electro-methanogenesis represents an emerging bio-methane production pathway that can be achieved through integrating microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) with conventional anaerobic digester (AD). Since 2009, a significant number of publications have reported superior methane productivity and kinetics from MEC-AD integrated systems. The overall objective of this review is to communicate the recent advances towards promoting electro-methanogenesis in the anaerobic digestion process. Firstly, the electro-methanogenesis pathways and functional roles of key microbial members are summarized. Secondly, various extrinsic process parameters, such as applied voltage/potential, pH, and temperature are discussed with emphasis on process optimization. Moreover, available methods for the inoculation and start-up of MEC-AD process are critically reviewed. Finally, system design and scale-up considerations, such as the selection of electrode materials, surface area and surface chemistry of electrode materials, and electrode spacing are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem S Zakaria
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Bipro Ranjan Dhar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
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