An electrode-assisted anaerobic digestion process for the production of high-quality biogas

K. Yanuka-Golub, K. Baransi-Karkaby, A. Szczupak, L. Reshef, J. Rishpon, R. Shechter, U. Gophna, I. Sabbah

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Biogas is a sustainable, renewable energy source generated from organic waste degradation during anaerobic digestion (AD). AD practice is still limited due to the low quality of the produced biogas. Upgrading biogas to natural gas quality (>90% CH4) is essential for broad applications. An innovative bio-electrochemically assisted AD process was developed, combining wastewater treatment and biogas upgrading. This process was based on a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) that produced hydrogen from wastewater at a relatively high efficiency, followed by high-rate anaerobic systems for completing biodegradation of organic matter and an in situ bio-methanation process. Results showed that CH4 production yield was remarkably improved upon coupling of the MEC with the AD system. CH4 production yield increase was most notable once circulation between AD and MEC was applied, while current density was not significantly affected by the circulation rates. The microbial community analysis confirmed that the MEC enhanced hydrogen production, leading to the enrichment of hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Thus, directing soluble hydrogen from the MEC to AD is plausible, and has great potential for biogas upgrading, avoiding the need for direct hydrogen harvesting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2145-2155
Number of pages11
JournalWater Science and Technology
Volume79
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anaerobic digestion
  • Biogas upgrading
  • Methanogenic hydrogenotrophs
  • Microbial electrolysis cells
  • Wastewater treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Science and Technology

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