York University technology can boost plant-based biomass biogas performance

In Canada, an extremely limiting factor for biogas production is the fact that plant-based biomass, a common biogas feedstock, can inhibit the hydrolysis and acidogenesis phases of biogas production. Poor performance at these stages also limits final biogas production capacity. BCP12 can carry the microbial population through this critical period by adding beneficial bacteria and nutrients to the microbial population already in the biogas production area. These processes are respectively called bioaugmentation and biostimulation.

BCP12 is a bioaugmentation treatment tested at York University to evaluate its performance in the presence of inhibitors from plant-based biomass. During the test, BCP12 was added to three different bacteria strains: Arthrobacter, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida. In each hydrolysate sample, the concentration of bacteria grew (by 30%, 53%, and 58%, respectively) compared to the controls, indicating the effectiveness of BCP12 even in the presence of certain inhibitors. BCP12 is also a great addition to non-plant-based feedstocks, with side benefits of loosening and liquefying heavy grease, reducing unpleasant odours, and controlling FOG and grease cap buildup in anaerobic digesters.