Methanogenic capacity and robustness of hydrogenotrophic cultures based on closed nutrient recycling via microbial catabolism: Impact of temperature and microbial attachment

Savvas Savvas, Joanne Donnelly, Tim Patterson, Zyh Siong Chong, Sandra R. Esteves

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Abstract

A biological methanation system based on nutrient recycling via mixed culture microbial catabolism was investigated at mesophilic (37 °C) and thermophilic (55 °C) temperatures. At mesophilic temperatures, the formation of biofilms on two different types of material was assessed. Results showed that with intense mixing the biofilm reactors presented methanogenic capacities (per working volume) 50% higher than the ones operated with suspended cultures. Gas feeding rates of 200 L/L/d were achieved at a H2/CO2 to CH4 conversion efficiency of above 90% by linking two reactors in series. Furthermore the robustness of the cultures was assessed under a series of inhibitory conditions that simulated possible process interferences at full scale operation. Full recovery after separate intense oxygenation and long starvation periods was observed within 2–5 days.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberS0960852418303067
Pages (from-to)164-171
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume257
Early online date24 Feb 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2018

Keywords

  • Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis
  • Biofilm
  • Power to gas
  • Energy storage

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