Optimized Biogas Yield and Safe Digestate Valorization Through Intensified Anaerobic Digestion of Invasive Plant Biomass

Zaineb Dhaouefi (), Salma Taktek, François Bélanger, Pauline Fortin, Julie Charbonneau, Sébastien Lange and Habib Horchani ()
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Zaineb Dhaouefi: Environmental and Biotechnology Research Group, Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, 80, Rue Frontenac, Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 1R1, Canada
Salma Taktek: Environmental and Biotechnology Research Group, Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, 80, Rue Frontenac, Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 1R1, Canada
François Bélanger: Environmental and Biotechnology Research Group, Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, 80, Rue Frontenac, Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 1R1, Canada
Pauline Fortin: Environmental and Biotechnology Research Group, Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, 80, Rue Frontenac, Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 1R1, Canada
Julie Charbonneau: Biopterre—Bioproducts Development Center Innovative by Nature, Cégep de La Pocatière and the Institut de Technologie Agroalimentaire, La Pocatière, QC G0R 1Z0, Canada
Sébastien Lange: Biopterre—Bioproducts Development Center Innovative by Nature, Cégep de La Pocatière and the Institut de Technologie Agroalimentaire, La Pocatière, QC G0R 1Z0, Canada
Habib Horchani: Environmental and Biotechnology Research Group, Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup, 80, Rue Frontenac, Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 1R1, Canada

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an environmentally sustainable approach for managing invasive plants species, mitigating pollution, and generating renewable energy. However, the complex structure of these biomasses limits their biodegradability and necessitates pretreatment to enhance methane production. This study explored the biotransformation of two invasive species, Reynoutria japonica and Phragmites australis , harvested across diverse phenological stages. Bioprocess intensification was achieved through a single-stage process using a hydrolytic–methanogenic consortium under thermophilic conditions (55 °C, 25 days). The impact of harvest timing distinct plant fractions (shoot vs. root) on biogas production was meticulously evaluated. Results revealed progressive biogas production. Notably, winter-harvested shoot fractions exhibited the highest methane-rich biogas, achieving 551.12 ± 33.07 mL/g VS for Reynoutria and 401.42 ± 24.09 mL/g VS for Phragmites . The resulting digestate demonstrates a rich composition of essential macronutrients (N-P-K) vital for plant growth, highlighting its potential as a valuable biofertilizer. Significantly, complete inhibition of seed germination was observed, confirming the process’s efficacy in preventing the further propagation of invasive species. This research underscores that thermophilic anaerobic digestion, coupled with hydrolytic treatment, is a significant advancement in the valorization of invasive biomasses, contributing to both renewable energy production and ecological recovery.

Keywords: invasive plant management; anaerobic digestion bioprocess intensification; environmental threat; green and renewable energy; digestate harmlessness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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