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Optimizing straw anaerobic digestion via nanobubble technology: Insights into hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis processes

Author

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  • Bian, Chuanfei
  • Liu, Hao
  • Gao, Xin
  • Ma, Shuaishuai
  • Ren, Xiurong
  • Khan, Muhammad Usman
  • Wei, Luyao
  • Yuan, Xufeng
  • Wang, Hongliang
  • Zhu, Wanbin

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective approach for the resource and energy recovery of straw biomass. However, the process faces challenges such as poor hydrolysis efficiency, slow startup, and lower overall efficiency. Nanobubble technology offers a promising solution to enhance methane production without causing secondary pollution. This study investigates the effects of nanobubble water (NBW) prepared using different gases (N2-NBW, O2-NBW, H2-NBW, CO2-NBW, and Air-NBW) on the methane production characteristics and microbial communities during AD of corn straw. The results showed that methane production increased by 11.86 %–24.08 % compared to the control group, with the maximum cumulative methane yield reaching 189.36 ± 5.32 mL/g VS. The modified Gompertz equation effectively fitted the cumulative methane production curves, with a high correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99). Total solids (TS) and volatile solids (VS) removal rates improved by 9.70 %–26.28 % and 11.87 %–24.09 %, respectively. Microbial community analysis revealed an increased relative abundance of bacteria such as Ruminofilibacter, which facilitates hydrolysis and acidogenesis. Additionally, the relative abundance of methanogenic archaea such as Methanosarcina and Methanobacterium also increased to varying degrees. Consequently, the addition of NBW promotes the processes of hydrolysis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, providing new opportunities for the efficient utilization of straw biomass.

Suggested Citation

  • Bian, Chuanfei & Liu, Hao & Gao, Xin & Ma, Shuaishuai & Ren, Xiurong & Khan, Muhammad Usman & Wei, Luyao & Yuan, Xufeng & Wang, Hongliang & Zhu, Wanbin, 2026. "Optimizing straw anaerobic digestion via nanobubble technology: Insights into hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis processes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PF).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pf:s0960148125020154
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124351
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    1. Akhbari, Azam & Awalin, Lilik Jamilatul & Wen, Low Chin & Ali, Mohd Syukri & Ibrahim, Shaliza, 2024. "Evolution of microbial community structure during biohydrogen production process of palm oil anaerobic sludge," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PB).
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    1. Yuan, Yongkang & Hou, Tingting & Li, Pengfei & Sun, Hui & Jiao, Youzhou & Li, Gang & He, Chao, 2026. "Enhancing semi-continuous anaerobic digestion efficiency with nanobubble water: thermophysical properties optimization and microbial regulation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).

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