Shortening of the Lag-Phase and Ph Stabilization During Glucose Anaerobic Digestion Due to Biochar Addition

This study examined the impact of different concentrations of wheat straw biochar (ranging from 0 to 8.0 g/L) on the Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) of glucose during anaerobic digestion. The experiment lasted for 60 days in a batch-type reactor using automatic methane potential system experimental setup. The results showed that the cumulative BMP increased with the amount of biochar added. The highest BMP was obtained at a biochar concentration of 8.0 g/L, with a maximum cumulative BMP of 2,677 mL CH4 / g VS added. In contrast, non-amended reactors produced only 1,036 mL of BMP. Furthermore, the addition of biochar at higher concentrations(8.0 g/L) improved the lag phase and maintained an optimal pH range (7 to 7.9) in the reactors. However, lower concentrations of biochar (2.0 g/L) did not affect the performance of the anaerobic digestion process. Overall, these findings indicate that biochar addition can improve the BMP of glucose, particularly at higher concentrations.