From purification to energy: Biogas and biomethane production from Schoenoplectus americanus and a mixture of duckweed from phytoremediation of domestic wastewater.
Quevedo MR, González PS, Bertaina G, Paisio CE
Summary
7.2/10Researchers found that plants used to clean wastewater can be converted into biogas and methane through anaerobic digestion, offering a dual benefit of pollution cleanup and renewable energy production. Bulrush and duckweed species showed similar potential for methane generation, making wastewater treatment plants a viable source of biomass for energy recovery.
Key Findings
Schoenoplectus americanus contained 71% carbohydrate content (dry weight), while duckweed mixture was protein-rich at 58%
Both substrates produced similar biochemical methane potential (~146-153 mLCH4), indicating comparable energy conversion efficiency
Biomass from phytoremediation systems can be repurposed for biogas production, creating an integrated waste management and energy recovery system
Original Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising strategy for converting organic biomass into biogas and methane. In this context, plant biomass generated after domestic wastewater phytoremediation represents an opportunity for integrated waste management and energy recovery. This study evaluated the biochemical composition and the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of biomass from Schoenoplectus americanus and a mixture of duckweeds (Lemna gibba, L. minuta and Wolffia columbiana) collected after use in phytoremediation of domestic wastewater. The BMP were determined through batch anaerobic digestion assays. S. americanus exhibited a higher carbohydrate content (71% dry weight) compared to the duckweed mixture, which showed a higher protein content (58% dry weight). Anaerobic digestion was conducted until stable methane production was achieved for each substrate. BMP values were similar for both substrates (146 ± 1.2 and 153.4 ± 3.3 mLCH
Species Mentioned
Lemna gibba, the gibbous duckweed, swollen duckweed, or fat duckweed, is a species of Lemna (duckweed). It has a simple plant body, known as a thallus, which floats on the surface of the water and measures 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) in diameter. A single root hangs down into the water. Found in a wide...
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