Revealing the Adverse Impact of Additive Carbon Material on Microorganisms and Its Implications for Biogas Yields: A Critical Review

Overview

Journal Materials (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2023 Dec 9

PMID 38067995

Authors

Michal Kozlowski

Chinenye Adaobi Igwegbe

Agata Tarczynska

Andrzej Bialowiec

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Biochar could be a brilliant additive supporting the anaerobic fermentation process. However, it should be taken into account that in some cases it could also be harmful to microorganisms responsible for biogas production. The negative impact of carbon materials could be a result of an overdose of biochar, high biochar pH, increased arsenic mobility in the methane fermentation solution caused by the carbon material, and low porosity of some carbon materials for microorganisms. Moreover, when biochar is affected by an anaerobic digest solution, it could reduce the biodiversity of microorganisms. The purpose of the article is not to reject the idea of biochar additives to increase the efficiency of biogas production, but to draw attention to the properties and ways of adding these materials that could reduce biogas production. These findings have practical relevance for organizations seeking to implement such systems in industrial or local-scale biogas plants and provide valuable insights for future research. Needless to say, this study will also support the implementation of biogas technologies and waste management in implementing the idea of a circular economy, further emphasizing the significance of the research.

Citing Articles

Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate Using Biochar Derived from Wheat Straw.

Igwegbe C, Kozlowski M, Wasowicz J, Peczek E, Bialowiec A Materials (Basel). 2024; 17(4).

PMID: 38399179 PMC: 10890371. DOI: 10.3390/ma17040928.

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