Conversion of Biogas to Bioproducts by Algae and Methane Oxidizing Bacteria

Abstract

Biogas produced by anaerobic digestion is typically converted into electricity and low value heat. In this study, biogas is microbially transformed into valuable bioproducts. As proof of principle, the production of feed additives, i.e. lipids and polyhydroxybutyrate, out of biogas was evaluated. In a first stage, the CO₂ in a synthetic biogas was photosynthetically fixed by an algae Scenedesmus sp. culture at an average rate of 192 ± 9 mg CO₂ L⁻¹ liquid d⁻¹, resulting in concomitant O₂ production. After N-depletion, more than 30% of the 220 ± 7 mg lipids g⁻¹ total organic carbon were unsaturated. In a second stage, the theoretical resulting gas mixture of 60% CH₄ and 40% O₂ was treated by a methane oxidizing Methylocystis parvus culture, with oxidation rates up to 452 ± 7 mg⁻¹ CH₄-C L⁻¹ liquid d⁻¹. By repeated N-limitation, concentrations of 295 ± 50 mg intracellular polyhydroxybutyrate g⁻¹ cell dry weight were achieved. Finally, a one-stage approach with controlled coculturing of both microbial groups resulted in harvestable bioflocs. This is the first time that a total microbial conversion of both greenhouse gases into biomass was achieved without external O₂ provision. Based on these results, a biotechnological approach is discussed whereby all kinds of biogas can be transformed into valuable bioproducts.