Unlocking anaerobic digestion potential via extracellular electron transfer by exogenous materials: Current status
Xinyu Yan1, Pin Peng1, Xiang Li1
1CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, Fujian, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, 100049 Beijing, China.
Abstract:
The efficiency of energy transfer among microorganisms presents a substantial hurdle for the widespread implementation of anaerobic digestion techniques. Nonetheless, recent studies have demonstrated that enhancing the extracellular electron transfer (EET) can markedly enhance this efficiency. This review highlights recent advancements in EET for anaerobic digestion and examines the contribution of external additives to fostering enhanced efficiency within this context. Diverse mechanisms through which additives are employed to improve EET in anaerobic environments are delineated. Furthermore, specific strategies for effectively regulating EET are proposed, aiming to augment methane production from anaerobic digestion. This review thus offers a perspective on future research directions aimed at optimizing waste resources, enhancing methane production efficiency, and improving process predictability in anaerobic digestion.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Fermentation
Metabolism of Chemolithotrophs
Fates of Pyruvate
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...
Microbial Nutrition
Other Glycolytic Pathways
Amino Acid Catabolism


