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Enhancing denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation for nitrogen removal with low-temperature biochar
Wei Chong1, Shaohua Wang1, Jiaxin Cheng2
1College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
Bioresource Technology
|March 2, 2025
Summary
Adding biochar, a byproduct of burning straw, significantly boosts nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment using Denitrifying Anaerobic Methane Oxidation (DAMO). This sustainable method enhances microbial activity and greenhouse gas mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Denitrifying Anaerobic Methane Oxidation (DAMO) is effective for nitrogen removal and greenhouse gas mitigation.
- Practical application is hindered by slow microbial growth and inefficient methane transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of straw biochar in enhancing DAMO performance.
- To identify optimal biochar properties for improved nitrogen removal.
Main Methods:
- Utilized straw biochar pyrolyzed at 300°C (cotton and maize stalks).
- Conducted long-term reactor operations to assess nitrogen removal rates.
- Analyzed functional genes (mcrA, pmoA) and microbial communities (ANME-2D).
Main Results:
- Cotton (CB300) and maize (MB300) biochars increased nitrate removal rates by 2.6 and 2.4 times, respectively.
- Positive correlation observed between nitrate removal and oxygen-containing functional groups in biochar.
- Enhanced DAMO archaea abundance and key functional gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Low-temperature straw biochar (300°C) significantly improves nitrogen removal in DAMO processes.
- Biochar offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment and greenhouse gas mitigation.
- Oxygen-containing functional groups on biochar likely facilitate electron transfer, enhancing DAMO efficiency.
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