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Biogas upgrading by in-situ biomethanation in high-rate anaerobic bioreactor treating biofuel condensate wastewater

Author

Listed:
  • Nguyen, P.Y.
  • Morgado Ferreira, Ana Lucia
  • Santiago, Pacheco-Ruiz
  • Van Der Zee, Frank
  • Lacroix, Sebastien
  • Tian, Jiang-Hao
  • Lens, Piet N.L.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the potential integration of H2-driven in-situ biomethanation into existing high-rate industrial anaerobic wastewater treatment. It specifically addresses key challenges such as hydrogen loading rates, pH effects (6.7–7.5), and gas diffusion devices. The study was conducted through a continuous long-term operation (>350 days) of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor treating biofuel condensate wastewater at high organic loading rates. The membrane gas exchanger exhibited the best performance compared to coarse- and fine-bubble diffusers, achieving a maximum H2 utilization efficiency of 99 %. No inhibition of methanogens was observed within the tested pH range, and the long-term (>350 days) process stability of continuous in-situ biomethanation was demonstrated despite operational changes. The best biogas composition (92:4:4 for CH4:CO2:H2) was obtained at pH 7.5 with a H2 feeding rate of 4.39 NLH2.L−1.d−1 and a high volumetric loading rate (VLR) of 13 gCOD.Lr−1.d−1. An increase in syntrophic bacteria, such as Geobacter and Syntrophomonas, may suggest the stimulation of DIET-mediated methanogenesis, potentially enhancing biogas upgrading.

Suggested Citation

  • Nguyen, P.Y. & Morgado Ferreira, Ana Lucia & Santiago, Pacheco-Ruiz & Van Der Zee, Frank & Lacroix, Sebastien & Tian, Jiang-Hao & Lens, Piet N.L., 2025. "Biogas upgrading by in-situ biomethanation in high-rate anaerobic bioreactor treating biofuel condensate wastewater," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s096014812500775x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123113
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Voelklein, M.A. & Rusmanis, Davis & Murphy, J.D., 2019. "Biological methanation: Strategies for in-situ and ex-situ upgrading in anaerobic digestion," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 1061-1071.
    2. Zhu, Xianpu & Chen, Liumeng & Chen, Yichao & Cao, Qin & Liu, Xiaofeng & Li, Dong, 2020. "Effect of H2 addition on the microbial community structure of a mesophilic anaerobic digestion system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    3. Jensen, M.B. & Ottosen, L.D.M. & Kofoed, M.V.W., 2021. "H2 gas-liquid mass transfer: A key element in biological Power-to-Gas methanation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    4. Elia Judith Martínez & Ana Sotres & Cristián B. Arenas & Daniel Blanco & Olegario Martínez & Xiomar Gómez, 2019. "Improving Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge by Hydrogen Addition: Analysis of Microbial Populations and Process Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-15, March.
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