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Biochar-Enhanced Methane-Dependent Denitrification: Insights Into Pyrolysis Temperature-Driven Microbial Electron
Lianfu Liang1, Yepu Li1, Danyu Li1
1College of Water Resources and Modern Agriculture, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, China.
Chemsuschem
|June 11, 2026
Summary
Biochar enhances wastewater treatment by improving nitrogen removal and methane mitigation. Pyrolysis temperature dictates biochar
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) offers carbon-neutral nitrogen pollution control and methane mitigation.
- Inefficient microbial interspecies electron transfer hinders DAMO's engineering application.
- Biochar's role in promoting extracellular electron transfer (EET) in DAMO systems requires mechanistic understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how pyrolysis temperature-tailored biochar properties influence EET pathways in DAMO systems.
- To elucidate the differentiated mechanisms by which biochar affects DAMO performance.
- To provide theoretical support for carbon-neutral wastewater nitrogen removal.
Main Methods:
- Sludge-derived biochars pyrolyzed at 300°C (BC300) and 800°C (BC800) were prepared and applied to DAMO systems.
- Nitrate removal rates and microbial community changes were analyzed.
- Gene expression related to electron transfer (Rnf complex, pilA) was quantified.
Main Results:
- Both BC300 and BC800 significantly enhanced nitrate removal, with BC800 showing a 2.2-fold increase.
- BC300 facilitated indirect electron transfer by upregulating Rnf complex genes.
- BC800 promoted direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) by enriching Methanospirillum and upregulating pilA, showing superior electron transfer promotion.
Conclusions:
- Pyrolysis temperature critically influences biochar properties and their regulatory mechanisms on EET in DAMO.
- BC300 acts as an electron shuttle, while BC800 functions as an electron conduit, demonstrating distinct EET modulation.
- Tailoring biochar via pyrolysis offers a promising strategy for optimizing DAMO processes for wastewater treatment.
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