Enhancement of methanogenic performance by gasification biochar on anaerobic digestion

This work evaluates the performance of different biochar-amended anaerobic digestion systems. The Fourier Transform Infrared analysis showed that more ordered aromatic groups formed and the aromatization degree increased with the rise of gasification temperature. The biochar produced at 900 ?C still showed an excellent ability to maintain the stability of anaerobic digestion performance, where the specific methane yield content steadily reached 742 mL CH4/g ethanol. Besides, the enzymatic activity test indicated an improved performance with the addition of biochar obtained at gasification temperature. The relationship between the microbial community and metabolism pathways result are signified due to the direct interspecies electron transfer among Pseudomonas or Candidatus cloacimonas and Methanosaeta via biochar. These links have promoted the methane metabolism pathway of acetate decarboxylation. Therefore, the current study helps better understand the influence of surface functional groups of biochar at different temperatures on anaerobic digestion performance.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the performance of different biochar-amended anaerobic digestion systems and found that biochar produced at high gasification temperature can promote methane production and improve digestion performance. The results indicate that the surface functional groups of biochar have a significant impact on anaerobic digestion performance at different temperatures.