Biogas upgrading by in-situ biomethanation in high-rate anaerobic bioreactor treating biofuel condensate wastewater

P.Y. Nguyen, Ana Lucia Morgado Ferreira, Pacheco-Ruiz Santiago, Frank Van Der Zee, Sebastien Lacroix, Jiang-Hao Tian and Piet N.L. Lens

Renewable Energy, 2025, vol. 248, issue C

Abstract: This study aims to explore the potential integration of H2-driven in-situ biomethanation into existing high-rate industrial anaerobic wastewater treatment. It specifically addresses key challenges such as hydrogen loading rates, pH effects (6.7–7.5), and gas diffusion devices. The study was conducted through a continuous long-term operation (>350 days) of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor treating biofuel condensate wastewater at high organic loading rates. The membrane gas exchanger exhibited the best performance compared to coarse- and fine-bubble diffusers, achieving a maximum H2 utilization efficiency of 99 %. No inhibition of methanogens was observed within the tested pH range, and the long-term (>350 days) process stability of continuous in-situ biomethanation was demonstrated despite operational changes. The best biogas composition (92:4:4 for CH4:CO2:H2) was obtained at pH 7.5 with a H2 feeding rate of 4.39 NLH2.L−1.d−1 and a high volumetric loading rate (VLR) of 13 gCOD.Lr−1.d−1. An increase in syntrophic bacteria, such as Geobacter and Syntrophomonas, may suggest the stimulation of DIET-mediated methanogenesis, potentially enhancing biogas upgrading.

Keywords: In-situ biomethanation; Expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB); Wastewater treatment; Hydrogen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s096014812500775x

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123113

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