DC7: Carbon dioxide capture and injection in anaerobic digestion to promote methane production

DC7: Carbon dioxide capture and injection in anaerobic digestion to promote methane production (WP2)

Host institution: University of Aveiro (Portugal)

Supervisor: Isabel Capela (PhD promoter)

Objectives: (i) to innovative in anaerobic digester setup for simultaneous CO2 bio-sequestration and enhancement of CH4 production in biogas plants as a new way to cope with greenhouse gases (GHG) reduction and sustainable bioenergy demand, and (ii) to investigate optimized conditions and microbial communities within the anaerobic digester to enhance the performance of the system.

DC7 will design and construct an upgraded anaerobic technology capable of simultaneous CO2 bio-sequestration and enhancement of CH4 production from organic waste. DC7 will evaluate two strategies for CO2 bio-sequestration, namely a DIET-strengthened methanogenic reactor (with the addition of biochar) and a CO2 pressurized methanogenic reactor. DC7 will continuously monitor the process performance (methane yield, CO2 reduction, presence of intermediate degradation compounds, presence of specific microorganisms) of the digester. DC 7 will evaluate the effect of biochar supplementation on the digester co-feeding of CO2 and organic substrate, especially the influence of a mediator on the interactions between homoacetogens and methanogens and the mechanisms of CO2 conversion to CH4 and the pathways to use electrons. DC7 will also evaluate the interaction among symbiotic bacteria and their metabolism under changing pCO2 and pH2 conditions, to ensure the stability of the reactors.

Expected results: Innovative anaerobic digester setups for simultaneous CO2 bio-sequestration and CH4 production enhancement in biogas plants. Reports on protocols and results obtained in the optimized strategy for simultaneous CO2 bio-sequestration and CH4 enhancement (>40%) within the anaerobic digestion (AD) framework.

Planned secondments:

• AU (Sup.: H.B. Møller): M24-27, 4 months: New insights on the biodegradation mechanisms of key priority pollutants;
• INOPSYS (Sup.: P. Van Broek): M33-36; 4 months: Scale-up considerations and challenges.

Enrolment in Doctoral degree: Doctoral Program in Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Aveiro (PT)

Ideal candidate profile:

1. Educational Background: Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
2. Research Experience: Experience in anaerobic digestion processes and familiarity with biogas systems, attached growth bioprocesses (biofilms), and biochar characterization and functionalization.
3. Technical Skills:
   1. Proficiency in designing and operating lab-scale bioreactors.
   2. Experience with gas analysis techniques, such as gas chromatography for methane and carbon dioxide quantification.
4. Analytical Skills: Strong capability in data analysis and interpretation, particularly in process optimization and performance monitoring.
5. Project Design: Ability to design experimental setups to test hypotheses related to bio-sequestration of CO2 and methane enhancement.
6. Knowledge: Understanding of microbial interactions in anaerobic environments and their impact on biogas production.
7. Communication Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills for documenting research findings, preparing scientific papers, and presenting at conferences.
8. Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, sharing results and insights effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
9. Problem-Solving Skills: Creativity and problem-solving skills to adapt to research challenges and optimize experimental designs based on observed outcomes.
10. Commitment to Sustainability: A passion for sustainability and renewable energy, with a commitment to advancing technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Recruited candidate: pending employment formalities