The significance of microbial community functions and symbiosis in enhancing methane production during anaerobic digesti
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The significance of microbial community functions and symbiosis in enhancing methane production during anaerobic digestion: a review Asheal Mutungwazi 1
&
Grace N Ijoma 1 & Tonderayi S Matambo 1
Received: 2 March 2020 / Accepted: 14 October 2020 # Springer Nature B.V. 2020
Abstract The anaerobic digestion process used for methane production has been studied for decades but most studies focused on the optimisation of physico-chemical operating parameters. A holistic understanding of the role played by different microbial communities and their symbiotic associations in facilitating the breakdown of the organic substrates to form methane gas is very key and yet it has only received little attention. This review discusses the AD process and various traditional approaches that have been used to improve its efficiency. The major limitation of these approaches in failing to elucidate the actual roles played by the myriads of microorganisms within their communities and symbiotic associations, as a fundamental starting point for AD process control and optimisation was highlighted. A review of the AD microbial pathways so far known was done, followed by an introduction of the metagenomics coupled with metabolomics approach for a more intricate understanding of the biological processes that happen in AD systems. Progress in the application of this approach during the digestion of various organic substrates including animal manures was also reviewed and finally, prospects for the future use of multi-omics (metagenomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics) approach, were highlighted. Keywords Anaerobic digestion . Methane . Micro-organisms . Metagenomics . Metabolomics . Symbiosis
1 Introduction Energy continues to be a resource of great demand, globally. A considerable quantity of energy used worldwide is derived from fossil fuels which has two major consequences, the detrimental effect its use has on the environment and the lack of sustainability associated with its use. It is without a doubt, a dwindling resource. Thus, one of the greatest millennial challenge is to find other sources of energy that reduce our carbon
* Asheal Mutungwazi [email protected] Grace N Ijoma [email protected] Tonderayi S Matambo [email protected] 1
Institute for the Development of Energy for African Sustainability (IDEAS), University of South Africa (UNISA), College of Science, Engineering and Technology, 28 Pioneer Ave, Cnr Christiaan De Wet & Pioneer Rds, Florida Park, Roodepoort, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
footprint and should be derived from sustainable sources. Methane derived from organic degradation is considered an example of such an energy source. According to the World Nuclear Association (2018), methane has an energy density of 50–55 MJ/kg and it is the inflammable component of biogas, a consequence of the degradation of organic wastes in a process regarded as anaerobic digestion (AD). Biogas normally consists of active methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), very little amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as well as wat
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