Development of a rapid analysis method for the detection of microbial community dynamics during the start-up of an anaerobic digestion process

In the BioFlow-project, we investigate the dynamics of the microbial community of the biogas process when starting up a farm-scale biogas plant and develop a faster and cheaper assay method to detect microbial community structure.

In the project, the microbial community structure and the dynamics of the microbial community is monitored during a start-up phase of a Finnish farm scale biogas plant (Luke’s farm scale biogas plant in Jokioinen). Microbial community structure is detected by new generation sequencing technologies developed for research purposes, but also by a faster, so far unexploited method for microbial samples from the biogas process (Flow cytometry). Analyzing the same samples with both traditional research methods (DNA extraction and sequencing) and the new faster method, it is possible to compare the accuracy of the faster measurement method and calibrate the device optimally for the sample types (manure, sludge, grass biomass) in question.

With a faster and cheaper detection method, also the biogas operators could take advantage of the opportunity to determine the microbial community structures in the future and use the information as support for controlling their process. A more agile method for the detection of microbial community dynamics contributes to strengthening the domestic biogas sector.

In addition, the aim of the project is to increase the level of expertise and the knowledge about the microbial community dynamics occurring in the start-up of biogas plants. The results of the project provide a better understanding of the acclimation of microbial communities over the start-up phase of biogas plants, which allows to prepare the operation of the biogas process better.