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Role of C/N ratio in a pilot scale Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) for biomethane production and biogas upgrading

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  • Cristiani, Lorenzo
  • Leobello, Lorenzo
  • Zeppilli, Marco
  • Villano, Marianna

Abstract

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) permit to couple the oxidation of waste organic streams (e.g., wastewater, fermentate or digestate) with the reduction of carbon dioxide into products with a high market value (e.g., methane or acetic acid). MECs exploit the ability of electroactive microorganisms to use a solid electrode as final electron acceptor or donor. Here, a micro pilot tubular MEC has been set up combining the anodic oxidation of the organic matter with the bioelectromethanogenesis reaction in the cathodic chamber. Seven different synthetic feeding solutions, simulating a domestic wastewater or an acidogenic fermentate, have been used to test different C/N ratio on the performance of the MEC bioanode in the range between 25 and 0.4 (molC/molN). As a main result it was found that, under the same operating conditions (i.e., anode potential controlled at + 0.2 V vs SHE and HRT of 0.5 d), a high C/N ratio (e.g., 19 mol/mol) promotes the bioelectrochemical metabolism of the electroactive biofilm. These findings are relevant for a practical application of the technology considering the variable content of carbon and nitrogen in real feedstocks.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristiani, Lorenzo & Leobello, Lorenzo & Zeppilli, Marco & Villano, Marianna, 2023. "Role of C/N ratio in a pilot scale Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) for biomethane production and biogas upgrading," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 355-363.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:210:y:2023:i:c:p:355-363
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.04.049
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