Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025

11:31
Continuously-stirred Anaerobic Digester to Convert Organic Wastes into Biogas: System Setup and Basic Operation
Published on: July 13, 2012
34.1K
Anaerobic digestion beyond biogas
Samir Kumar Khanal1, Fan Lü2, Jonathan W C Wong3
1Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|June 24, 2021
Summary
Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers waste treatment and renewable energy. Recent advances explore applications beyond biogas, including biorefineries and micropollutant removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-established technology for waste remediation and biogas production.
- AD provides benefits like renewable energy, waste treatment, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved socio-economic status.
Discussion:
- Recent research expands AD applications beyond biogas generation.
- Focus areas include anaerobic biorefineries, chain elongation, micropollutant treatment, and system stability.
- Innovations in bioreactors, bio-electrochemical systems, and carbon sequestration are explored.
Key Insights:
- The special issue "Anaerobic Digestion Beyond Biogas (ADBB-2021)" compiles 53 manuscripts (14 reviews, 39 research).
- Key findings cover diverse AD advancements, including digestate utilization as biofertilizer and microbiome analysis.
- Summaries provide a resource for understanding AD progress and future research avenues.
Outlook:
- AD technology is evolving with new applications and innovative approaches.
- Future research directions are highlighted, emphasizing sustainable waste management and resource recovery.
- Continued advancements promise enhanced environmental and economic benefits from AD systems.
Related Concept Videos
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
533
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
533
Fates of Pyruvate
9.6K
Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis, where glucose is oxidized to pyruvate, simultaneously reducing NAD+ to NADH. Two molecules of ATP are also produced by substrate-level phosphorylation.
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...
9.6K
Bioremediation
21.5K
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
21.5K
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
379
Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.
379
Microbial Fermentation
718
Fermentation is a crucial anaerobic metabolic process that enables microbes to derive energy from sugar without relying on oxygen or an electron transport chain. This process is fundamental to various biological and industrial applications and is classified based on the metabolic products generated.Role of Pyruvate in FermentationPyruvate and its derivatives serve as key electron acceptors in fermentative pathways. The oxidation of NADH to regenerate NAD+ is essential for the continuation of...
718
Fermentation
125.3K
Most eukaryotic organisms require oxygen to survive and function adequately. Such organisms produce large amounts of energy during aerobic respiration by metabolizing glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water. However, most eukaryotes can generate some energy in the absence of oxygen by anaerobic metabolism.
Fermentation is a type of metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where organic molecules such as glucose are broken down to produce energy. During this process, the...
Fermentation is a type of metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where organic molecules such as glucose are broken down to produce energy. During this process, the...
125.3K

