Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Microbial coal gasification is a highly promising bioenergy technology, yet its efficiency is often constrained by the highly polymeric structure of coal. This study explores a novel approach to enhance methane production from low-rank coal through anaerobic co-degradation with sawdust. Using Xilinguole lignite as the substrate, we systematically assessed how wood chip supplementation influences microbial degradation efficiency and community dynamics. Results demonstrated that co-degradation significantly increased methane yield—most notably at a coal-to-wood chip ratio of 4:1—far surpassing methane production from coal alone. The addition of sawdust enriched the substrate with bioavailable hydrocarbons and organic acids, and enhanced the degradation of complex compounds including aromatics and lipids. Microbial analysis revealed a marked shift in community structure, with increased abundance of key genera such as Bacillus, Clostridium, and Bathyarchaeia, indicative of enhanced functional specialization and metabolic cooperation. Network analysis further confirmed more tightly interconnected microbial communities in co-degradation systems. These findings underscore the potential of sawdust as a co-substrate to facilitate microbial coal conversion by improving utilization efficiency and promoting synergistic microbial interactions. This strategy offers a practical and efficient means to advance the bioenergy recovery from low-rank coal resources.
Source: Biology
Authors: Liu Zhu, Wangjie Diao, Zeguang Tang, Yi Liu, Yanxin Gu
Institution: China University of Mining and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Award: G7639112019
OpenAlex ID: W4415283355