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Technological Approaches for the Capture and Reuse of Biogenic Carbon Dioxide Towards Sustainable Anaerobic Digestion

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Listed:
  • Anastasia Theodoropoulou

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, UK)

  • Dimitra Antonia Bagaki

    (Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Maria Gaspari

    (Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Dimitra, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Panagiotis Kougias

    (Soil and Water Resources Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Dimitra, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Laura Treu

    (Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy)

  • Stefano Campanaro

    (Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/b, 35121 Padova, Italy)

  • Dolores Hidalgo

    (Agrifood & Processes Division, Area Circular Economy, CARTIF Technology Centre, 47151 Boecillo, Valladolid, Spain)

  • Rudolphus Antonius Timmers

    (Agrifood & Processes Division, Area Circular Economy, CARTIF Technology Centre, 47151 Boecillo, Valladolid, Spain)

  • Maja Berden Zrimec

    (Algen, Algal Technology Centre, LLC, Brnciceva 29, SI-1231 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Robert Reinhardt

    (Algen, Algal Technology Centre, LLC, Brnciceva 29, SI-1231 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Antonio Grimalt-Alemany

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Estelle Maria Goonesekera

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Irini Angelidaki

    (Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Vasileia Vasilaki

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, UK)

  • Dimitris Malamis

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design & Physical Sciences Brunel University of London, London UB8 3PH, UK)

  • Elli Maria Barampouti

    (Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., 15780 Athens, Greece)

  • Sofia Mai

    (Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zographou Campus, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., 15780 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) produces renewable energy but releases biogenic CO 2 and generates digestate requiring management. This paper evaluates four emerging pathways for CO 2 capture and reuse in AD systems: (1) in situ CO 2 conversion to CH 4 via microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), (2) hydrogenotrophic CO 2 methanation using green hydrogen, (3) enzymatic CO 2 capture coupled with autotrophic algae cultivation, and (4) digestate pyrolysis with syngas biomethanation. Each pathway is assessed in terms of technical feasibility, biocatalyst performance, system configuration, and key implementation challenges. Integrated scenarios demonstrate up to 98% CO 2 emission reduction, substantial bioenergy yield improvements, and enhanced nutrient and biomass recovery compared to conventional AD. MEC-based and hydrogenotrophic pathways show the highest energy efficiency, while algae-based systems provide added bioproduct valorization. The remaining limitations include cost, process integration, and scale-up. The study defines development priorities to advance zero-emission AD technologies for the agri-food and waste management sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Anastasia Theodoropoulou & Dimitra Antonia Bagaki & Maria Gaspari & Panagiotis Kougias & Laura Treu & Stefano Campanaro & Dolores Hidalgo & Rudolphus Antonius Timmers & Maja Berden Zrimec & Robert Rei, 2025. "Technological Approaches for the Capture and Reuse of Biogenic Carbon Dioxide Towards Sustainable Anaerobic Digestion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-40, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:22:p:10385-:d:1798654
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