Energy use of CO2 to reduce residual methane potential

Goals

• Optimization of methane yield and process stability during the anaerobic digestion of renewable feedstocks through CO₂ enrichment
• Identification of relevant metabolic pathways using stable isotopes and microbiological analyses

Specifically

• Long-term continuous-flow experiments with maize, sugar beet, and alfalfa in two parallel-operated 28 L fermenters (with and without CO₂ enrichment)
• Gas and chemical analyses
• Isotope monitoring and ¹³C labeling experiments
• Microbiological analyses
• Evaluation of the economic potential with regard to upscaling and practical application

Project Lead

• Heidelberg University – Institute of Earth Sciences – Research Group Biogeochemistry (Dr. Daniela Polag; coordination of joint project)
• TU Munich – Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering (Prof. Dr. Konrad Koch)
• Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture – Department of Laboratory Analysis (Dr. Michael Lebuhn)

Funding

Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V.