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Enhancing anaerobic digestion efficiency using biochars: Mechanisms and material perspectives

Author

Listed:
  • He, Yun
  • Wang, Zhi
  • Shen, Caihong
  • Wang, Shilei
  • Liu, Yiyang
  • Chen, Shanshuai
  • Li, Xiaoyong
  • Zhao, Xiaoling
  • Chen, Jinmeng
  • Shi, Jingge
  • Cai, Yafan
  • Xu, Jingliang
  • Ying, Hanjie

Abstract

Regulating electron transfer pathway is an effective strategy for enhancing anaerobic digestion (AD) performance. In this study, biochar derived from tree branches, straw, coconut shells, and sewage sludge were used to adjust the AD of liquor wastewater, significantly increasing methane production (from 286.23 mL to 1305.12–1585.54 mL) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal efficiency (from 23.11 % to 65.88–91.92 %). Feedstock lignin content affected both the specific surface area (SSA) and electron-donating capacity (EDC) of biochars, which exhibited strong positive correlations with cumulative methane production (r = 1, p < 0.05). High SSA supported microbial colonization, while EDC facilitated interspecies electron transfer. Biochar enriched for the Firmicutes, Synergistota, and Proteobacteria involved in hydrolysis and acidification processes, enhancing metabolic pathways including fatty acids degradation and aromatic compound degradation. Synergistota and Proteobacteria harbor potentially electroactive bacteria that may facilitate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) with Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium to promote DIET pathway. This study provides insights for optimizing biochar preparation in AD systems.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Yun & Wang, Zhi & Shen, Caihong & Wang, Shilei & Liu, Yiyang & Chen, Shanshuai & Li, Xiaoyong & Zhao, Xiaoling & Chen, Jinmeng & Shi, Jingge & Cai, Yafan & Xu, Jingliang & Ying, Hanjie, 2026. "Enhancing anaerobic digestion efficiency using biochars: Mechanisms and material perspectives," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PC).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pc:s0960148125018117
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124147
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