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Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Visualizing Methane-Cycling Microbial Dynamics in Coastal Wetlands
Published on: January 31, 2025
Biochar amendment rapidly shifts microbial community structure with enhanced thermophilic digestion activity
Shiva Khoei1, Abigail Stokes1, Brandon Kieft2
1UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7, Canada.
Abstract:
Effects of powdered (<0.075 mm) biochar on thermophilic anaerobic digestion were investigated with biochemical methane potential (BMP) assays. The assays had substrate to inoculum ratios (SIR) of 2.2 and 4.4 g-volatile solids (VS)/g-VS and biochar dosing of 6 g/g-total solids (TS)inoculum. Compared to control, biochar amendment enhanced methane production rates by 94%, 75%, and 20% in assays utilizing substrates of acidified sludge at 70 °C, 55 °C and non-acidified mixed sludge, respectively. All controls experienced acute inhibition with lag phases from 12 - 52 days at SIR of 4.4 g-VS/g-VS, while assays with biochar generated methane from day 4. Biochar addition resulted in a rapid shift in microbial community structure associated with an increase in Methanothermobacteraeae (hydrogenotrophic) and Methanosarcinaceae archaea, as well as various volatile fatty acid (VFA)-degrading and hydrogen-producing bacteria. Biochar presents great potential to tackle VFA accumulation, abbreviate lag phase and increase methane rate, particularly at high organic loadings.
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