The AD Network – a BBSRC NIBB Achievements

HarnessingAD NETWORK Anaerobic Digestion Welcome research and we thank all the speakers who research groups across the UK. Nurturing Welcome to the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) engineering, we have an academic contact volunteer their expertise and time. this international talent pool can only be Network Activities Update. to suit. Not to be outdone, our substantial industry and “other” contingent (about half) beneficial to a future strong UK IB base. Working closely with the Anaerobic Digestion When the Biotechnology and Biosciences range from farmers and operators, SMEs to and Bioresources Association (ADBA) has We are optimistic that you will find something Research Council (BBSRC) launched the large companies, start-ups to established enabled us to reach out to industry members of interest in this activities update and hope 13 Networks in Industrial Biotechnology and “brands”, as well as various NGOs and policy through their R&I Forum and annual Trade that it will inspire you to take an active part Bioenergy (NIBB) in 2014, there was the members. Show. Recognition has flowed the other way in our ongoing programme of events if you expectation that industrial biotechnology with Angie Bywater, Network Manager, being have not already done so. (IB) industries and academia could work Our many events have provided the chance awarded “AD Ambassador of the Year” and together for the benefit of the UK by finding to bring together members interested in specialist topics - to meet, to learn, Prof Charles Banks receiving their “Lifetime synergies of expertise, overlapping interests Front cover photo courtesy of Dr Stephen to network - and hopefully to continue a Achievement Award” at recent ADBA awards. and joint opportunities. Networks were given Temple, Copys Green Farm. Our thanks go to the Management Board a chance to explore this with funding for productive association later. Numerous small members who have always been there to events, underlying research and targeted Business Interaction Vouchers (BIVs) have Back cover photo courtesy of Richard guide and support the Network behind the business-friendly support. Since then, the AD helped cement these associations. We would Gueterbock, Clearfleau Ltd. scenes. The impressive level of knowledge, Network has been busy striving to live up to like to think that all those conversations expertise and common sense embodied in the promise! So what have we achieved? that did not lead to a bid had value – even if it was just to have a useful contact for the Management Board has been invaluable. Since its launch in 2014, the AD Network the future. Through the more “blue sky” Likewise, we could not possibly have has grown from a small core of supportive Proof of Concept (PoC) awards, we have reviewed all the entries in our various Calls individuals into a group of over 600 mixed explored a range of potentially useful ideas without the generous donation of time and members covering all aspects of AD. As you and developments – some of which are effort by a multitude of volunteer reviewers. would expect from a topic which is inherently now feeding into larger grants elsewhere. Looking to the future, we have dedicated a cross-disciplinary, the academic component Joint events with organisations like ADBA, great deal of attention and effort to the Early reaches across the UK and covers a AFBI, FoodWasteNet, IBioIC, NNFCC, REA Career Researcher membership by providing huge breadth of different disciplines and and SUPERGEN have ensured that we travel bursaries, secondment funds and free departments. Whether you are interested in reach out to complementary organisations access to the annual 2 day ECR Conference. the intricacies of microbial electrochemistry, to cover topics of mutual interest. Finally, Developed and run as a standard 2-day Prof Charles Banks (PI), University of modelling non-Newtonian fluids or the our Research Colloquium serves as a freely academic conference, it has been a Southampton and Prof Orkun Soyer (Co-I), challenges of large-scale chemical accessible compendium of the best in current privilege to see the work being conducted by University of Warwick. 2 3 Network highlights Supporting the future - Early Career Researchers The AD Network is proud to have had the chance to meet and support so many early career researchers (ECRs) with a genuine passion for AD. These are future leaders in training who will shape the direction of AD Industrial Biotechnology both the UK and abroad. So far, we have offered grants for over 20 Secondment Bursaries and overseas Travel Bursaries, allowing skills transfer, training and participation in major world conferences to showcase the work of the UK to the widest possible audience. Our annual events 2-day summer ECR conference has run since 2015 with between 40-50 attendees. This is not a passive event – each attendee must contribute with presentations and posters – making it not only a great place to network but also the best place to keep research abreast of on-going work in research groups and funding across the UK. Our thanks go to all the sponsors and industry figures for the prizes, site visits, inspirational industry-focussed AD Network talks and forward-thinking workshops for Early Career Researchers’ Conference 2016 – University of Birmingham member the attendees. In addition, by participating activity in joint careers events with other NIBBs, we hope to have opened up the wider possibilities of a career in IB to our ECR members as they look towards the academic and commercial sectors for employment. 4 5 Funding activities Shaping perception There have been 21 BIV projects so far “Biomethanisation of CO2 in Anaerobic Evidence-based research on environmental Government, AD suppliers, CLA Cymru and – lasting up to 6 months each. Dozens of Digestion Plants” (£1,852,567) and an impacts and a progressive regulatory Natural Resources Wales to quantitatively academics and companies have benefited EPSRC grant “Computational Methods regime are both essential to the realisation assess agricultural bioresources in Wales from the chance to work together to solve for Anaerobic Digestion Optimization of the value of IB technologies to with a view to informing combined policy challenges of IB relevance. With up to £10K (CoMAnDO)” (£341,482). These take time commercialisation. Robust tools which initiatives to improve the uptake of relevant provided towards these from AD Network to progress and, as our projects come underpin research are vital to this work IB technologies. funds and a success rate of 50%, this has to completion, we expect to see further and the AD Network has worked with the Our outreach presence ranges from been an accessible introduction to joint progress in the form of published papers International Energy Agency (IEA Task 37) to parliamentary receptions, open days, projects for companies and academics to and ongoing work beyond the lifetime of the produce a flexible, robust and independent roadshows, science festivals, Countryfile make the first move towards a continuing Network. free tool for the assessment of AD facilities. Live and numerous other smaller venues association. The necessity of “matched This tool has been widely downloaded Additional Industrial Strategy Challenge which have reached thousands of people funding” ensures that all projects are of (including by built-environment companies Fund (ISCF) funding was secured for a over the last few years. The mobile AD genuine value to both partners and our such as Buro Happold), and used to provide further 5 Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst system and rather dramatic Rubens’ Tube rigorous review process helps to maintain a feasibility/environmental study (for the John Seeding Award projects amounting to £125K. combination, alongside various circular bio- the quality of these “entry level” awards. Lewis Partnership, Leckford Farm), as well These are targeted at a higher Technology economy hands-on activities have proven a Everyone recognises that collaboration as for further academic research in this field. Readiness level (TRL) level than the PoCs great draw for all ages. Engagement at this is not easy, requiring trust (and bespoke The Renewable Energy Association (REA) with a view to commercial development. level helps to broaden appreciation for the collaboration agreements!) from both sides. worked with Bangor University to evaluate technology and its application amongst wider Once established, we hope that many of Information on all projects is posted on the GHG abatement by small farm AD, an society. This is something that the industry, these professional relationships will endure website as it is concluded. area of large potential GHG savings which as professionals, takes for granted but which beyond the brief period of the award. was presented as a paper to politicians is generally peripheral to public perception. The AD Network has funded Business at an ADBA parliamentary event. Further Our 14 PoC awards allocated £720K to Interaction Voucher (BIV), Industrial Strategy policy work sponsored includes work on a investigate “blue sky” novel or innovative Challenge Fund (ISCF) Seeding Catalyst scientific evidence base for public subsidy projects. With a high quality of applications and Proof of Concept (PoC) awards through support of biomethane for transport (Lutra/ and a success rate of 20%, it is clear that various calls between 2014 and 2018. Bangor University) and provision of a case there is no shortage of good ideas out there. for support for community based on-site AD We are starting to see these ideas begin (YCLT/Bangor University). In another BIV, to take off in the form of further funding. Aberystwyth University is currently working Subsequent work includes an IB Catalyst with the Severn Wye Energy Agency, Welsh

6 7 International collaboration Some Funding Stories Working with BBSRC through a £20,000 Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Workshop Grant, meetings were held with relevant academics and stakeholders from across Africa in early 2017. Nairobi, Johannesburg and Cape Town provided the venues for scoping meetings – the results of which were fed back to the funder in the form of a report designed to assist impact “The funding received through ADNet has on International Development whilst meeting ODA criteria. cemented a co-operative partnership between This level of long term forward planning takes a great deal of effort and commitment four agricultural businesses and the University on the part of those involved – many delegates flew from countries across Africa of Lincoln. The results of the research trial, to be there – with outcomes potentially years down the line. Each workshop introduced optimistically, may lead to diversification for 20-30 participants to the possibility of UK collaboration opportunities and through those businesses and added-value to the the use of facilitated workshops, gathered information on research needs, challenges and synergies, with recommendations on We direct members to the multitude of Newsletter. Such opportunities include separated fibre.” – Industry partner how these could be taken forward. It also international opportunities available for Horizon 2020 calls, the IB Catalyst rounds identified research strengths and priorities for collaborative research. With so many and the 2018 £5M BBSRC: ‘Industrial the region in order to further build research different schemes and funders, we have Biotechnology and Bioenergy in the capacity. tried hard to cherry pick and highlight those Developing World’ call. of specific interest through our regular

8 9 Biomethanation AD Profiling Currently, it is not unusual for biogas from Further spin-off funding was obtained in There has never been a better time to But surely every digester is different? To high levels of these compounds from an

AD to consist of 40% CO2 – which must be the form of an ISCF grant “In-situ bio- investigate the microbial ecology of AD, with examine that question, the AD Network unsavoury substrate – blood. Abattoirs “scrubbed” out using a costly process before methanisation for small-scale biogas tools to examine the genetics and chemistry supported a workshop called “Anaerobic routinely dispose of large volumes of this the biomethane can be used as a direct upgrading” (with Lutra Ltd). This translational of mixed cultures getting more sophisticated Digestion: Science meets Industry” by waste, pointing to an untapped potential replacement to its fossil fuel counterpart. This demonstration from academic research (and cheaper) every year. But what does all Professor Orkun Soyer, and hosted at feedstock with ideal characteristics to test biomethanation research aims to develop a to industrial application operated a pilot- this meta-data mean? the University of Warwick. His initiative to the idea. After investigation through the hybrid anaerobic digestion process in which scale hybrid technology, developed to monitor AD microbiomes is now generating award “Production and extraction of C3 A number of different awards have sought hydrogen made from renewable energy combine renewables-driven electrolytic H huge, publically available datasets to anchor and C4 aliphatic carboxylic acids from the 2 to answer this. In 2014, a PoC funded sources (e.g. wind and photovoltaics) is production with anaerobic digestion. We the science in verified real world situations. anaerobic digestion of waste blood as a study “Shotgun metabolomics in anaerobic used to produce biomethane (CH ) at more have also supported a BIV which could (For access to the information see: http:// model substrate”, Dr Yue Zhang was able 4 digestion” was awarded to Dr James than 95% purity. The process therefore potentially extend the use of this technology: anaerodynamics.com/). By gathering to both publish and springboard the project Chong, University of York. After painstaking provides an efficient in situ biogas upgrading “Study into the benefits of the integration in-depth, weekly data from a number of further with ongoing investigations. work, he concluded that metabolomics technique which will maximise the conversion of biomethanation of green hydrogen volunteer commercial plants, the complex measurements on the timescale of days Her work continues through the British of the available carbon in waste biomass with renewable electricity production from relationships between performance and can provide an accurate reflection of the Council Newton Fund Institutional Links into a fuel product that has a wide range of anaerobic digestion and wind power at underlying processes can be mapped - state of an AD system. Subsequently, he Grant on “Development of a Biorefinery applications the Creed Enterprise Park in Stornoway” grounding future research efforts with an has worked closely with industry through System for Organic Acid Production, (University of Sheffield/Western Isles IWM accurate, relevant reference point. Thank Results from a 2014 PoC project looking at a Seeding Catalyst award “Characterising Bioenergy Generation and Nutrient Facility). you to all the commercial concerns who “Effective mass transfer of hydrogen into marine-based microbial communities for Recovery using Fish Wastes to TUMACO”. selflessly offered to help at the workshop. digester mixed liquor for biomethanisation of Michael Chesshire of Lutra Ltd said, “There commercial anaerobic digestion”. Mapping A PhD project has resulted on “Optimisation biogas CO ” (Prof Charles Banks, University data on to an accurate model requires more 2 is a huge interest across the EU in the Higher Value Products of selective butyric acid production from of Southampton) proved positive enough to concept of Power-to-Gas, as it provides the work and in 2016, we funded Dr Claudio anaerobic fermentation”. We wish her luck consider further work on this concept. This potential for large scale storage of energy Avignone-Rossa from the University of Why stop at methane? It is possible to as she looks to advance this work through led to a successful application for IB Catalyst from intermittent renewables using existing Surrey, to examine “Metabolic Modelling extract many high value products from further funding applications in order to set funding on “Biomethanisation of CO2 in infrastructure and appliances. I am very meets Anaerobic Digestion (M3AD)” – biomass. One such group of products are up a pilot plant on VFA production and Anaerobic Digestion Plants” with partners excited to be part of this pioneering project, which aimed to combine a metabolic model Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs). separation, with downstream ammonia from the University of York; University of which I am sure will lead to commercial that includes the main metabolic features recovery and biogas production. In 2014, a PoC funded study at the Leeds; United Utilities; ITM Power; Food and opportunities for UK business.” of the microorganisms in the microbial University of Southampton examined Contacts made from this work were used Environment Research Agency. communities with current models of AD the concept of producing and removing to help put together the AD Network/Food (ADM1)”.

10 11 Waste Network event “Valorisation of Animal concentrated fluids and he has advanced tunnels for converting digestate fibre into market for retail and wholesale horticultural By-products”. This specialist workshop this work through further successful funding mushroom cropping substrate have been growing media valued at over £400 million. mixed industry and academic speakers applications. designed and installed by G’s Fresh. Several farms, each involved in the operation alongside a site visit to draw together the Savings will be generated for years to come. of an on-farm AD plant, worked together disparate groups looking into this under- Digestate “This project has identified the characteristics to form a consortium to pool knowledge developed area of waste valorisation. Digestate has been regarded as a low value of digestate fibre that enable it be processed gained from a series of experiments aimed For further reading, do take a look at the product of AD, primarily destined for land- into substrate for growing mushrooms. at beginning to understand how AD fibre resulting articles: spreading. But what else can be done with Digestate fibre from several commercial AD (ADF) from agricultural feedstocks might be Plácido, J. & Zhang, Y. (2018). Production of it? plants has been shown to be suitable for this used as a component of horticultural growing volatile fatty acids from slaughterhouse blood purpose.” Professor Ralph Noble, NIAB EMR media. A side benefit of this work was to One solution has been developed by Prof by mixed-culture fermentation. Biomass identify a role for ADF in reducing the current Ralph Noble at NIAB EMR, with two AD “As a result of this work, G’s Fresh have Conversion and Biorefinery. Accepted. use of natural peat within growing media. Network-funded projects on mushroom invested in processing tunnels and ancillary Plácido, J. & Zhang, Y. (2017). Evaluation compost. In 2016, his BIV work on machinery for the conversion of digestate The results provided data on: the stability of esterification and membrane based “Optimising the use of separated anaerobic fibre into mushroom cropping substrate. and consistency of ADF output from farm- solvent extraction as methods for the digestate fibre as a substrate for mushroom We are planning to start commercial scale based plants using a range of feedstocks; the recovery of short chain volatile fatty acids cultivation” alongside G’s Fresh, a major production of mushroom substrate in March” performance of an AD fibre/peat based mixes from slaughterhouse blood anaerobic food producer, served as a springboard Mr David Walker, Littleport Mushroom Farms over a range of plant species; the impact mixed fermentation. Waste and Biomass for a subsequent Seeding Catalyst award LLP. of typical, commercially relevant irrigation Valorization. DOI:10.1007/s12649-017-9952-7. “Determining the influence of feedstocks systems on peat/ADF growing media on the analysis and suitability of separated In another BIV, David Stainton at the Later on, Dr Robert Lovitt from Swansea anaerobic digestate fibre for commercial- University of Lincoln worked with a In the light of the results gained through University received PoC funding to look into scale mushroom substrate production”. consortium of farm AD businesses to the BIV, the consortium is now considering a novel separation method with his project investigate the potential of digestate in further work to assess if there is a financially “Recovery and purification fatty acids and Why mushroom compost? Currently horticulture. His project, “Improving the viable opportunity to be taken forward. nutrients from anaerobic digester fluids imported at significant cost, this can be sustainability of Anaerobic Digestion by The use of this BIV has established a new using integrated membrane freeze-thaw partially replaced by existing digestate fibre. demonstrating the potential of digestate fibre potential research partnership in the ongoing (MFT) processes”. The idea behind this By demonstrating the concept and refining to reduce peat usage in horticultural growing quest to improve the sustainability of AD. was to investigate a low-cost concentration the process, there now exists a new market media” aimed to make inroads into the process that combines the use of membrane for digestate fibre which has already been market for peat. Over 1.3 million m3 of peat technology with freezing to produce implemented by G’s Fresh. Four processing is consumed annually and it contributes to a Mushrooms growing with digestate fibre

12 13 Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment and Energy Events Recovery AD: Science meets Industry Membrane cleaning Selected events 14.1.16 10.5.16 20.6.16 We have delivered over 25 and exhibitors who have come The following highlights give a taste of 50 participants from 29 different 68 participants from 42 different 26 participants from 9 different workshops and events for members and showcased their activities the subjects covered. Specialist, focussed companies and institutions – held at the companies and institutions – held at the companies and institutions – held at the since we started in 2014 and we and research. This is very much events were the norm to enable high- University of Southampton University of Warwick University of Southampton have been actively involved with 3 a community endeavour made quality networking between potential The Water and Environmental Engineering Featuring the popular “bring a sample from This specialist event brought together R&I Forums and 4 Trade Shows. possible by members themselves. collaborators and enable useful knowledge Research Group together with the AD your digester to the meeting and we will researchers and industry practitioners with exchange within some quite niche topics. All AD Network-run events are Collaboration with the ADBA trade Network organised this workshop around analyse its microbial profile for FREE” offer, an interest in AnMBR operation to discuss Supplemented and supported by broader free to members – which is a association has resulted in mutual the key figures spearheading cutting edge this informative meeting brought together approaches to controlling membrane fouling events like the Research Colloquium, there great incentive to join! Likewise, benefits. research in the area. Focussing on the most researchers and operators to hear from in the reactor, and to exchange ideas has been something for everyone. our joint events with other NIBBs important research advances on AnMBRs, experts on the AD process. Attendees and experience on AnMBR application. Our 2017 Research Colloquium and Research Organisations are “Huge range of topics covered in depth, yet this featured an array of top speakers participated in an open discussion session Participants benefited greatly from the was far from an academic affair as free to attend – as are the annual at an understandable pace. Also, a great including Professor Jules van Lier – TU Delft. and many proceeded to take part in the expertise of the guest speaker - Prof Jaeho we managed to entice over 40% ECR conference and Research opportunity for networking and discussion.” Talks covered topics from the “Feasibility further initiative to monitor AD microbiomes. Bae, Head of the Sustainable Environmental of attendees from industry. This Colloquium. Whilst some commercial of AnMBRs for industrial wastewater As a result, datasets are now freely available Membrane Technology (SEMT) Lab at Inha was a great way for members to “I enjoyed this event because of having a events with which we work closely treatment” and “Kinetic Control of AnMBRs from http://anaerodynamics.com/ . This is University, Korea – who was available for take an interest in the cutting edge number of legendary scholars of AD may charge a fee, we have tried to and its influence on operating parameters” invaluable in providing an unbiased and questions and shared his experience in the developments from across the UK from both HEI and industry.” arrange discounts and provide the to “Understanding the challenges in transparent source of information on the field. and Europe. Combining academic – Professor Jules van Lier – TU Delft option of bursaries for members, implementation of anaerobic move based performance of industrial AD reactors in real outreach with reciprocal knowledge where appropriate. flow sheets”. A lab tour to showcase the time. exchange about the real issues facilities was also included in the day. Events have been carefully planned faced by industry is pivotal to to range across the entire UK making these events relevant. allowing full participation from our geographically diverse membership. Thank you to all the various institutions who have hosted and supported us and to the range of academic and industry speakers

14 15 Opportunities for food by-product valorisation - joint event with Microbial Electrochemistry On-Farm Small-Scale Anaerobic Digestion Bubbles, biofilms and boundary layers Novel Feedstocks for Anaerobic Digestion FoodWasteNet Research Colloquium 2017

19.9.16 2.11.16 13.3.17 6.4.17 6.9.17 11-12.9.17

31 participants from 13 different 70 participants from at least 34 different 30 participants, drawn mostly from the 48 participants from 34 different 67 participants from 48 different Located at Southampton University with companies and institutions – held at companies and institutions – held at the existing research group at Southampton companies and institutions – held at the companies and institutions – University 80 participants. Durham County Cricket Club Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, University University of Lincoln of Strathclyde Members came together for a 2 day intensive Northern Ireland This gathering brought together researchers Dr Mike Mason gave an inspiring talk on the Included in the line-up of speakers were This was a popular topic with obvious programme featuring top International and and industry practitioners with an interest in Hosted by Gary Lyons, AFBINI, this event worldwide potential of AD with a particular Mark Schofield, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust cross-over appeal given the move in recent UK speakers from active research groups Microbial Electrochemistry (MEC) to discuss brought research practitioners and many focus on the potential role of CAM plants – “Could biomass harvesting from road times to minimise food waste and divert this who are pushing the boundaries of what innovations and share expertise in a one day farmers/operators together to share their in low rainfall areas. However, it was his verges create highways for better connected to productive use. Contributions from Zero is possible. Topics included Fundamental seminar. Hosted by Newcastle University, expertise and innovations. With a site visit conceptual analysis on the interface between wildlife?” and Dr Andrew Ross, Centre for Waste Scotland and IBiolC set the scene for Research and New Concepts, International this included a site visit to Chester-le-street to the AFBI AD plant, this event was a great microbes and their immediate environment Doctoral Training in Bioenergy, University the activities in this area in Scotland whilst Projects of Significance etc. The line-up pilot plant and networking opportunities with way for knowledge to spread both ways so which was a compelling reminder of the of Leeds – “Hydrothermal pre-treatment of Richard Gueterbock of Clearfleau gave included a mix of invited speakers and experts from across the UK and Europe that the unique challenges of working at need for fundamental research. A deeper biomass and the bio-methane potential of examples of the existing commercial activity also showcased the outputs of several AD including Dr Albert Guisasola, Autonomous this scale could be fully explored. A good understanding of the constraints and road verge biomass”. Other topics covered in this field with clarity and insight. A growing Network funded research projects to the University of Barcelona. number of participants from across the relationships at this level can only act as a included biomass supplements; bacterial field of interest with much more to offer in the target audience. border showed the broad appeal of work in driver for the necessary step changes of this additives; upland hay meadow vegetation future. this area. green technology. and the quality and consistency of raw materials. A wide-ranging day that highlighted the underutilised biomass resources we pass every day.

16 17 Integration of chemical, biochemical and All bids passed through a thorough impartial review process involving hundreds thermal process to maximise biomass Valorisation of animal by-products – Saving our Soils: Understanding and Funding of volunteer reviews. Thank you to all involved for their professionalism and resource potential - joint event with challenges and opportunities - joint event Improving Soil Health - joint event with commitment. Success rates ranged from 1 in 2 for BIVs to 1 in 5 for POCs and the SUPERGEN with FoodWasteNet REA and BSSS Executive Board was impressed with the high quality of bids across the board.

6.2.18 7.3.18 20.6.18

55 participants from 30 different 40 participants from across industry and Organised by the Renewable Energy UNIVERSITIES INVOLVED ARE: companies and institutions – held at the academia joined together to look at the Association, the AD Network and the British —— University of Southampton issues surrounding Animal By-Products Society of Soil Science, and held in London, Priory Rooms, Birmingham —— University of Warwick (ABP). this was an opportunity for policymakers, Having this many professors in one room —— University of York operators, agronomists, spreading was always going to be a risk but I think we ABP as a feedstock faces particular See what members have contractors, consultants and farmers to —— Newcastle University pulled it off with this well-attended event. challenges with regard to safety and investigated with access to our meet the scientists and academics who —— University of Birmingham A full day of quality presentations from handling, regulation and evidence base. Proof of Concept (£720,000), are undertaking research in the field of soil —— University of Nottingham speakers across the UK attracted more This workshop was intended as a platform Business Interaction Voucher health and applying organic materials to land. members than anticipated and required a for industry to share their experiences of (£200,000) and Industrial —— NIAB EMR The speakers line-up included: Emeritus (East Malling Research Station) last minute room upgrade – healthy feedback the issues faced when working with this Strategy Challenge Fund Professor Stephen Nortcliff, Reading indicated that members appreciated the type of material and provided academia (£125,000) awards. —— University of Oxford University; Professor David Hopkins, effort that speakers put in to make their trips with an opportunity to share their work in an —— Swansea University Royal Agricultural University;Professor worthwhile and informative. area which typically garners relatively little Tom Misselbrook, Rothamsted Research; —— University of South Wales attention. Discussion time was supplemented Professor Andrew Whitmore, Rothamsted —— University of Surrey with a site visit to Malaby Biogas – one of Research and Audrey Litterick, Earthcare —— University of Leeds a relatively small number of plants already Technical. Application to land of digestate handling this material. It is hoped that the —— Aberystwyth University can only be fully explored in the context introductions made here will continue to —— Bangor University of current practices and the demands and flourish after the event as some of the limitations of soil health. Top talks on a —— University of Aberdeen highlighted research opportunities are topical subject of value to all AD processes —— University College London (UCL) pursued. which seek to use digestate as a valuable —— University of Lincoln product. —— Birmingham City University —— University of Sheffield —— University of Edinburgh

18 19 Shotgun metabolomics in anaerobic Effective mass transfer of hydrogen into issues of energy balance can be addressed Proof of Concept Projects digestion digester mixed liquor for biomethanisation of through process integration and optimisation,

Dr James Chong, University of York biogas CO2 and a favourable overall balance can be Prof Charles Banks, University of shown when both direct and indirect energy Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves a complex Southampton inputs are taken into account. The concept network of interactions between a community explored in the proposed research is whether of microbes which are difficult to accurately Hybrid technology combining renewables- the use of a specially-designed membrane monitor. By using modern molecular driven electrolytic H production with 2 diffuser can improve the mass transfer of techniques, it should be possible to identify hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis to allow hydrogen into a digester, and in so doing key indicators of AD performance and health the biochemical reduction of CO to CH 2 4 maintain a CH concentration >95% in the that, in addition to helping operators maximise is possible and has been demonstrated. 4 product biogas when using food waste at a output from their systems, can be used to The concept has primarily been developed typical biomass loading as the feedstock. populate computer-based models to improve using purified component gas streams fed “exciting research which takes a our understanding of the AD process. One into a bioreactor in which a pure culture is “Suggestions in the literature about the such set of indicators that could be targeted maintained, resulting in a product gas with a benefits of membrane diffusers could not be

look at a new idea or process to for measurement is the complement of CH4 content >95%. The approach has also shown experimentally in laboratory trials for small molecules (metabolites) produced in been used with biogas as one of the input any of the hollow fibre types tested. They discover where it leads” AD. Although the utility of metabolomics gases using non-type strain methanogens do not appear to have any great advantage in this field has been posited a number of which adapt naturally under non-sterile over micro-bubbles, and future work will times, this approach requires specialist conditions; again the output gas stream can concentrate on developing effective means

equipment and knowledge in order to be be >95% CH4. What has proved more difficult of generating these in-situ in anaerobic effectively executed, and is likely to require the is the in-situ conversion of bicarbonate in reactors”. – Prof Charles Banks development of specific preparation protocols conventional digesters through H injection: 2 Development of anaerobic biomass support for successful deployment. We propose a this appears to be limited by the effective particles for effective membrane cleaning shotgun metabolomics approach using a mass transfer of H2 into the system and Dr Sonia Heaven, University of Southampton state-of-the-art, ultra-high resolution instrument by the need to maintain digester buffering

to determine the speed, magnitude and capacity. Although CO2 reduction involves There is increasing interest in membrane reproducibility with which soluble metabolites some energy loss, this approach maximises technologies for anaerobic treatment of change in a model AD system with the view the conversion of the available carbon both municipal and process wastewaters. of generating preliminary data for a larger in waste biomass and would provide an These can be configured in a number of application making use of this technology in efficient means of in-situ biogas upgrading ways using membranes of different types. AD. without additional methane slippage. The Membrane fouling is one of the key issues

20 21 in this type of technology and effective “The work has clearly demonstrated butyric and propionic acids as intermediate used in situ in continuous processes. The predominant part of the cow microflora. works. We hope to demonstrate an increase low-cost and low-energy in situ methods the effectiveness of particle cleaning of bulk chemicals. These products have value research will make a preliminary assessment Their activity in terms of hydrolysing in the mass of feedstock hydrolysed per unit are needed to maintain the membranes membrane surfaces in anaerobic systems. and existing large-scale markets in their of issues relating to design, cost and cellulose in the cow’s first fore-stomach, volume of reactor compared to traditional clean. In conventional aerobic membrane Now that the POC has established the own right, and can also be considered for resource requirements and environmental the rumen, is 10-30 times quicker than continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR). bioreactors, which are now widespread in benefit of this approach, it is being taken further bio-transformation and as the basis impacts of this novel biotechnology. man-made AD plant. Oxford University is the water industry, the most common method forward for testing at a larger scale” for an extended biorefinery concept. The working to develop a high power density "It was a great pleasure to participate in used is air scouring and gas scouring using - Dr Sonia Heaven research is based on the use of animal blood Advanced Anaerobic Digester, mimicking the this project. This is a very nice example recirculated biogas has also been adopted produced in abattoirs, a negative-value waste mechanisms used by cows. that further demonstrates the synergy in many prototype anaerobic systems e.g. material, as a fermentation substrate since between membrane technologies and Ongoing theoretical studies have led to our submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors its high nitrogen content provides buffering anaerobic technologies." - Dr Lina Chi improved understanding of the underlying (SAnMBR). These cleaning systems can to allow the accumulation of acid products at mechanism by which bacteria, growing be energy intensive, however, and unlike high concentrations without detriment to the "This proof-of-concept project focused on as biofilms hydrolyse cellulose, and that aerobic systems there is no advantage in acidogenic population due to low pH. diversification of anaerobic digestion into the conventional AD technologies are far circulation of large volumes of gas since field of industrial biotechnology through the Part of the research will focus on proving removed from the way a cow operates. Advanced Anaerobic Digester including a pH there is no requirement for oxygen transfer production and harvesting of carboxylic the concept that stable high rates of Initial work encourages us to believe that feedback loop, and liquid recirculation. in the equivalent anaerobic technology. The acids as building block chemicals. It proved acid production can be achieved and there are several pathways to achieving this proposed research looks at the concept that by selection of reactor conditions and Recovery and purification fatty acids and that reactor operating parameters can High Power Density Advanced Anaerobic of developing biomass support particles substrate type, anaerobic digestion can be nutrients from anaerobic digester fluids using be used to manipulate systems biology Digestion (AAD). of around neutral buoyancy with surface directed towards specified intermediate integrated membrane freeze-thaw (MFT) to produce a high quality output under properties such that when pseudo-fluidised products in concentrations suitable for A laboratory scale reactor, based on the processes Dr David Neylan, project researcher, non-sterile conditions. This builds on and around the membrane they will provide a extraction." - Dr Yue Zhang operation of a cow’s rumen has been built Dr Robert Lovitt, University of Swansea preparing to make polymer will further contribute to recent advances mild scouring effect. In this way the energy and will be used to test these pathways. in understanding metabolic pathways Redesigning hydrolysis reactors for the This project will investigate the utility of a input will be minimised to that needed to Production and extraction of C3 and C4 This reactor represents the first stage in a and syntrophy in anaerobic digesters that development of high power density advanced low energy, integrated membrane freeze maintain the support particles in motion. aliphatic carboxylic acids from the anaerobic two stage digester, and is predominantly can lead to acid accumulation, and the anaerobic digestion enabling containerised thaw process (MFT) for the recovery of fatty The second advantage of this system is digestion of waste blood as a model concerned with improving the rate of mechanisms that control this. electricity production from agricultural acids and nutrients (N and P) as salt crystals that the support particles will permit higher substrate hydrolysis of cellulose. The solid fraction of residues or concentrated fluids. The MFT process is concentrations of microbial biomass within Dr Yue Zhang, University of Southampton The second part of the work focuses on the biomass is retained in the reactor, whilst Prof Ian Thompson, University of Oxford a hybrid process that combines the ability the reactor and reduce the solids loading on selection and preliminary testing of potential the interstitial liquid is recirculated. There is This proof-of-concept project focuses on of a RO membrane process to separate the membrane, allowing operation at higher extraction methods that could be applied The rate limiting step of Anaerobic Digestion no agitation or stirring. Bulk mass and heat diversification of anaerobic digestion (AD) water from dilute salt solutions while freeze flux rates. at large scales, ranging from conventional (AD) of cellulose feedstocks is accepted transfer are via the recirculation of the liquid. into the field of industrial biotechnology concentration overcomes the membrane solvent extraction to more advanced to be the bacterial hydrolysis of cellulose This is much more reflective of how a rumen through the production and harvesting of limitations posed by high osmotic pressures membrane-based systems that could be (Mumme, 2010). These bacteria form a 22 23 for the concentrated solutions. Thus together “This funding allowed the explorations Novel bioelectrodes for energy positive scope for this technology in the treatment potentials as electron sinks and donors, combined heat and power technology for the low energy process produces clean water of an interesting idea and has created a ammonia removal from municipal wastewater of waste streams with low to medium high we will aim to foster and maintain specific energy recovery. However, there remains a and series of fractionated concentrates. It practical platform for further research and its Dr Jan Dolfing, Newcastle University ammonia concentrations, where alternative methanogenic groups. This will result in pressing need to optimize digester mixing to has few chemical inputs where separation exploitation” – Academic partner methods aimed at ammonia recovery are a direct control of the output levels and maximize energy recovery. Ammonia can cause eutrophication and principles are physically based. Preliminary economically less attractive. reliability of the AD process, thereby making Microbial Enhancement of Phyto-Active be toxic to fish and other aquatic wildlife. To predict optimum digester mixing, we calculations suggest that this process will this biotechnology more controllable, tunable Compound in Digestate Thus, the removal of ammonia from Electrode interface to control and extend must determine to what extent biogas only require 15% of the energy produced by and reliable. In turn, this will reduce risk of Prof Richard Dinsdale, University of South wastewater is frequently required as part metabolic outputs of AD microbial output is influenced by AD flow patterns; CHP of digester gases to power the process. AD investments and increase production Wales of general treatment processes, to either communities flow patterns that are determined by yields. Developed further with additional Using fluids from AD systems the consortium protect receiving waters, or as a precursor Prof Orkun Soyer, University of Warwick digester configuration, inflow mode, The aim of the project will be to improve research, our electrical approach will be will investigate the concentration/ to N-removal. Conventional ammonia sludge rheology and mixing regimes. the quality of anaerobic digestion residues AD is a well-recognised green biotechnology. applied to other, bespoke communities crystallisation process and its potential removal technologies use oxygen, and the Research is lacking in this area. Traditional so that the growth rate of crops and plants It is underpinned by complex microbial in which we control their rich metabolic problems. There are also potential benefits more ammonia that must be removed, the approaches to digester design are grown on digestates will be increased. This communities, where different species repertoire towards production of desired for the MFT process integrated into large greater the quantity of oxygen required. rooted in empiricism rather than science, will be achieved by investigating the ability degrade organic matter into a set of metabolites. scale AD CHP systems and these will be This is not merely expensive, but arguably and design standards focus on treated of naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolic intermediates that are then used investigated and the costs of the process unsustainable as the carbon footprint of "This work allowed us to establish easy- sludge quality, not gas yield and energy produce plant growth promoting factors by methanogenic microbes to produce evaluated. Finally, the quality and value the process is such that water companies to-follow and clear protocols for consumption. (i.e plant hormones such as auxins) in the methane. Currently, we lack any direct products derived from the fractionation find themselves “destroying the planet bioelectrochemical cells, which has digestate. The improved degradation of plant means to control the population dynamics The challenge is to improve digester process will be assessed as chemicals or to save the river”. The objective of the been a bottleneck in the field to develop material in the anaerobic digestion process within this microbial world and the ensuing performance and maximize biogas yield. as growth media components. If successful, work proposed here is to develop a novel multi-factorial experiments. We are now also may also release plant growth promoting metabolic output types and reliability. This An innovative solution is to simulate the study will also open the way for the microbial technology to remove ammonia- in a position to develop our work in this compounds (i e. humic acids/soluble lignins) proposal will overcome this major limitation simultaneously the hydrodynamic and potential enhancement of digester kinetics by nitrogen without a need for oxygen. Rather area further, towards electrical control of and the mechanisms to increase the amount by developing an electrical approach microbiological processes found in AD. in-situ product recovery and further process than consuming energy, the process will communities.” - Prof Orkun Soyer of these compounds will also be investigated. to control and manipulate AD microbial We hypothesize there is a direct link integration and optimisation. actually generate energy. The technology The development of the presence of plant communities. Computational Methods for Anaerobic between mixing-induced turbulence and is based on the use of Anaerobic Bacteria “This is an excellent idea and should be disease biocontrol agents in digestates will Digestion Optimization – Act 1 (CoMAnDO1) biogas yield. Our focus is to simulate these Respiring Ammonia, a new group of This approach relies on our understanding invested in further; potentially this approach also be researched. The results from this will Prof John Bridgeman, University of interrelationships in a complex multiphase, microorganisms capable of donating the of the AD process as a thermodynamically could revolutionise digestate processing and lead to an improved product which promotes Birmingham non-Newtonian fluid environment. However, electrons encapsulated in ammonia to an driven conversion system, where the its potential uses” – Industry partner the enhanced productivity of crops, leading to achieve this, there remain several appropriately poised electrode, a process population size of different microbial groups Anaerobic digestion (AD) is often used to to greater food security and expanded challenges to overcome; viz. computationally that is of considerable fundamental interest are primarily determined by the availability treat sludge, via mixing with bacteria that markets of digestate for the UK anaerobic efficient hydrodynamic modelling and and constitutes a new and unexpected or absence of strong electron acceptors. By biodegrade sludge, producing methane- digestion industry. effective coupling techniques. shortcut in the nitrogen cycle. We envisage using electrodes poised at appropriate redox rich biogas that may be harnessed via

24 25 CoMAnDO1 will address the first of these metabolic processes led by microorganisms. Biobutanol production via bioelectrochemical in terms of electron and energy utilisation, as conversion efficiencies are often rapidly the development of specifically structured limitations and will deliver the proof of New powerful biomolecular tools, supported reduction of butyric acid well as long-term stability. dissipated with scale due to increasing methanogenic /electrogenic biofilms, and via concept necessary to develop Lattice by advances in metabolic analysis software, Dr Yue Zhang, University of Southampton system losses as these processes are direct stimulation of methanogenesis in the Sustainable hydrogen production through the Boltzmann (LB) modelling as a robust, provide now the possibility of including this increased to commercially relevant scales. In planktonic phase. This proof-of-concept project focuses on anaerobic digestion of hydrothermal aqueous rapid alternative to computational fluid micro-level in the analysis of AD processes. practice, this means that the concentration diversification of anaerobic digestion (AD) waste dynamics (CFD) modelling to simulate of electrogenic cells must be increased to This PoC will attempt combining multispecies into the field of industrial biotechnology Dr Andrew Ross, University of Leeds the hydrodynamic environments within simultaneously increase capacity whilst metabolic modelling (i.e. a metabolic model through the conversion of one of its (Literature review POC: POC2017001) digesters. This will lead to a major research also maintaining small current/counter that includes the main metabolic features intermediate bulk chemicals, butyric acid, into project in which LB and biokinetic models Hydrothermal processing produces an current pathways. Recent work has shown of the microorganisms in the microbial butanol using a microbial electrochemical will be coupled to control the hydraulic and aqueous bi-product containing organic that direct interspecies electron transfer communities carrying out the process) system (MES). Butanol has many industrial biochemical performance of AD. carbon. Utilisation of this organic carbon can occur between the electrogenically with current models of anaerobic digestion applications, and it has received great is essential in order to maximise resource active Geobacteraceae species and “We recognize the tremendous, untapped (ADM1). Based on metagenomic information interest in its use as direct replacement efficiency and avoid generation of waste Methanosaetaeceae, and this can lead to an potential of renewable energy from liquid and from the literature, we will build a metabolic for petrol or as fuel additive. Butanol is waters. Methane production by AD has been increase in overall rates of methanogenesis. solid waste streams, and see your research model involving all the physiologically superior to ethanol in this regard because it proposed as a feasible recovery option but This project aims to investigate the scale-up as providing valuable and much needed step relevant metabolic pathways present in the has higher energy content, a higher octane issues with inhibition are possible. Utilisation of bioelectrochemical systems in a familiar in the right direction.” – NMCNomenca. most abundant species in the community, number, lower volatility, is less hydroscopic of hydrogen in hydrothermal processing tank-like fluidized bed bioprocess, by leading to CH , H and VFA production. and less corrosive. Therefore, it has value Metabolic Modelling meets Anaerobic 4 2 improves fuel quality and, as such, using fluidized and freely moving activated The metabolic model will be linked to the and an existing large-scale market. Digestion (M3AD) production of hydrogen from the aqueous carbon particles in an aqueous wastewater model presented by Poggio et al. (2016), Dr Claudio Avignone Rossa, University of This research will focus on demonstrating phase via AD may well be more favourable in to enhance overall energy recovery by which (based on a combined biochemical Surrey that selective butanol production from terms of techno-economics. harnessing inter-species direct electron and kinetic approach) combines rigorous butyric acid can be achieved using MES transfer. Within the reactor, each carbon AD has been traditionally represented as feedstock characterisation with ADM1 to A scalable fluidized bioelectrochemical and that this MES can be integrated with particle can act as a small capacitive open a black (sometimes grey) box, where a represent an AD process. reactor for enhanced anaerobic energy the AD process for overall energy and circuit anode which can support surface relatively undefined collection of macro- recovery Our purpose is to demonstrate the feasibility material recovery efficiency. The operating electrogenic biofilm, meaning the particle scale processes lead to the degradation Prof Alan Guwy, University of South Wales of analysing AD through a multi-scale parameters will be optimised for butanol is continuously charged by the action of and conversion of a complex feedstock approach, ranging from the metabolic micro- production and this will further contribute Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are a the electrogenic bacteria. This means that into a mixture of products of anaerobic level to the kinetic macro-level, to simulate to recent advances in understanding bioelectrochemical process that can be these charged particles may be discharged metabolism. For simplicity (and sometimes and generate predictions for the design and the mechanisms that control MES. The used for the direct harvesting of power as at an electrode to deliver an electrical lack of information or details), this modelling optimization of full-scale processes. overall performance of the MES for butanol electricity; however, a key obstacle in the current whilst also providing a direct approach has generally overlooked the production from butyric acid will be evaluated development of BES technology is that stimulation to methanogenic activity through

26 27 In-situ bio-methanisation for small-scale network, the current proposal focuses on recovery via digestion could move AGS biogas upgrading smaller-scale applications. This approach Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund – Projects plant towards energy self-efficiency or University of Southampton/Lutra Ltd has greater potential for integration with even net energy output. However, due to on-farm use of digestion and in meeting the A translational demonstration from academic distinctive characteristics of AGS such as sustainability challenges faced in developing research to industrial application is planned big size, compact structure, high content countries. In both cases it offers the by operating a pilot-scale hybrid technology, of extracellular polymeric substances, and possibility of supplying local energy needs developed to combine renewables-driven high ash content in the sludge, AGS from by producing a storable product for use in electrolytic H production with anaerobic some conditions has 58% less digestibility 2 low-pressure gas distribution systems, as digestion (AD). This allows biogas produced compared with activated sludge although a compressed bottled gas supplies or as a low- in AD to be upgraded to around 95% CH comparable digestibility was also reported. 4 pollution vehicle fuel. by biochemical reduction of its CO2 content. These contradictory results indicate an

The process uses direct injection of H2 Evaluation on thermal pre-treatment to uncertainty of AGS digestibility as well as “to accelerate the transition from discovery research into the digester and, through continuous enhance digestibility of an emerging type of the possible dependence of digestibility of monitoring and control, matches this to sludge-aerobic granular sludge AGS on the characteristics of sludge. To to translational development projects by supporting the available carbon in its oxidised form of University of Southampton/CAMBI Group AS enhance AGS digestibility from different CO . By adaptive evolution, the systems conditions and to reduce the final residual 2 Aerobic granule sludge (AGS) is a novel biology of the digester promotes carbon flow solid disposal, sludge pre-treatment is preliminary work or feasibility studies to establish and promising technology for wastewater predominantly through hydrogenotrophic necessary. Among different sludge pre- treatment in the context of the circular methanogenesis, thus maximising the treatment approaches, thermal pre-treatment the viability of an approach” economy. Compared with conventional conversion of the carbon present in waste is one of the most commonly used methods. activated sludge, AGS features with 75% biomass into a useful fuel product, and This project will thus evaluate the thermal less footprint, 50% less energy consumption, increasing the CH yield by 40% or more. pre-treatment of AGS to enhance digestibility 4 a much more simplified process for This approach opens up possibilities for of AGS and establish the correlation carbonaceous pollutants, nitrogen and using untapped waste biomass resources, by between characteristics of AGS and thermal phosphorus removal and better effluent making better use of the digester’s working pre-treatment conditions for digestion quality. Because of these advantages, volume to produce the more energy-dense enhancement. AGS technology has been commercialized gaseous biofuel known as biomethane. very quickly with more than 30 full scale Although the process could be used at any facilities constructed worldwide and 3 scale, with potential commercial markets in the UK. It is expected that with much as an energy storage solution for balancing less energy consumption, the energy supply and demand in the electricity grid

28 29 Biogas methane as a feedstock for a standpoint, it makes more sense to use 25,000 tonnes of imported substrate to Characterising marine-based microbial sustainable bioprocessing methane as a feedstock than to burn it for produce 8,000 tonnes of button mushrooms communities for commercial anaerobic digestion University of Nottingham power production. PHB sells for $3 to $4 a annually. An AD Network BIV project University of York/Algal Omega 3 Ltd kilogram on today’s market, while methane (2016007) has shown that the digestate fibre The Aim: To explore the feasibility of using A major consideration prior to increasing the burned for electricity production would return can be converted into a mushroom cropping biogas methane as a feedstock to produce scale of production at Algal Omega-3 (AO3) is as little as 40 to 80 cents a kilo. substrate, potentially saving up to £1.5M chemical commodities using methane- disposal of produced waste. From a proprietary annually on imported mushroom substrate. consuming bacteria as a process organism in The Delivery: The successful completion saline-based fermentation ca. 85% of the volume G’s have invested in the construction of bulk gas fermentation. of this project would represent the essential is discharged as waste rich in nutrients and solid processing containers for this purpose. This initial step in the development of a potential cellular material. Discharge or treatment of this The Need: Biogas methane, the main project will determine the influence of AD future sustainable bioprocess at industrial waste has an associated cost, both fiscal and product of anaerobic digestion (AD), is feedstocks and the additions of gypsum and scale. environmental. Anaerobic digestion of this waste an energy-rich feedstock with an energy different straw types on the analysis and has the potential to (i) reduce costs, (ii) recover density of 55.7 MJ/kg at 1.013 bar, 15 ºC. Determining the influence of feedstocks suitability of the separated fibre for producing value (to offset production costs) and (iii) reduce Raw AD biogas is roughly 60% methane on the analysis and suitability of separated a mushroom substrate component. The UK environmental impact. This project will explore and 29% CO with trace elements of H S. anaerobic digestate fibre for commercial- mushroom industry currently uses around 2 2 whether a marine-tolerant microbial community The methane concentration is insufficient scale mushroom substrate production 300,000 tonnes of mushroom substrate can carry out effective anaerobic digestion of this for direct use as fuel gas for machinery and NIAB EMR/G’s Fresh annually. In Europe, more than 4M tonnes high salt waste stream. We propose to carry out the H S is highly corrosive to the mechanical of substrate are produced annually. This 2 G’s Fresh is a major producer of fresh a lab scale (30L) study to identify a suitable salt components. Considerable money and effort project has the potential to develop a new, vegetables and mushrooms. It has a 3 MW, tolerant microbial community for AD of AO3’s has to be expended in the purification of high value market for separated digestate two-stage mesophilic AD plant at Littleport, waste material. We will also quantify the ability of methane and for its combustion to generate fibre, thus improving the economic viability Cambridgeshire which processes over that community to remove ‘billable’ content from electricity. Consequently, in many cases, it is of AD and separation of the liquid digestate 50,000 tonnes of maize and rye, 8,500 AO3’s production waste with the aim of rapidly not cost-effective to use raw biogas as a fuel which is easier to apply to crops than whole tonnes of vegetable wastes and 2,000 implementing a viable solution at their production for electricity production and is flared at the digestate. tonnes of chicken manure annually. This site in Liverpool. site, causing Green House Gas emissions produces over 6,000 tonnes of mechanically and environmental damage. separated digestate fibre, accredited to The Solution: We shall convert biogas PAS 110, and currently disposed of to land. methane through a biological process to Adjacent, it has the UK’s largest and most the polymer, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), advanced mushroom farm, which utilizes which can be easily converted into a wide variety of different plastics. From a business

30 31 Business Interaction Voucher Projects

“aimed at connecting industry and academia together - via a defined project by an academic partner for an industrial partner”

These diverse, trust-building projects are a great example of the way shared activities can connect industry innovators with expertise available across the UK research community in order to carry out commercially valuable projects. Due to the number of these projects, they are listed below, with more detailed information on the website: www.anaerobicdigestionnet.com.

Overleaf: Tropical Power AD Plant, Kenya. Photo courtesy of Dr & Mrs Mike Mason

32 33 BIV projects ●● Anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste ●● Comparison of Biological and ●● Process optimisation of Africa’s first ●● Evaluation of an integrated aerobic- ●● Optimising the use of separated from the food industry. Mechanical Processes to Generate commercial grid connected AD plant. anaerobic microbial system for anaerobic digestate fibre as a substrate ●● Testing of anaerobic digester William Jackson Food Group/Dr Davide Value from Digestate. Tropical Power Ltd/Prof Charles Banks, enhanced degradation of biopolymers. for mushroom cultivation. components found in thermophilic Dionisi, University of Aberdeen Roam Agency/Dr Brenda Parker, University of Southampton LooWatt Ltd/Dr Tim Patterson, G’s Fresh/Dr Ralph Noble, NIAB EMR digestion of food wastes. University College London University of South Wales " Permastore Ltd/Dr Sonia Heaven, “The issue of food waste has a continuing “The interaction with Southampton This work has shown that it is feasible to University of Southampton high profile and understanding how best “As a social enterprise, this short trial has University has helped us overcome many “Our collaboration with USW feeds directly process separated digestate fibre into a high to address individual waste streams is a been extremely useful in confirming to us the of the technical difficulties associated with into the development of our long term value mushroom substrate. The identification ●● A modelling tool for the UK AD key concern across the agri-food sector. effectiveness of a low-cost organic approach the commissioning of a new plant, using business strategy – innovation is at the heart of a source of digestate fibre that produces industry IEA Task 37/Dr Sonia Heaven, To succeed in the aim of ‘doing more with to achieving a beneficial biological pathway a new feedstock, in a country with no of Loowatt’s offering of easily mobilised 97% of the mushroom yield of a commercial University of Southampton less’ requires detailed understanding of for digestate. The results will help inform the other industrial-scale digesters to provide sanitation systems with low environmental substrate provides an opportunity both for ●● Providing a scientific evidence base for the various options available for any given development for a hybrid organic/mechanical inoculum. It is excellent that we now have impacts. We look forward to continuing our further research and for the mushroom public subsidy support of biomethane for waste stream, prioritising those which are digestate processing system designed to a full technical capability in our laboratory. research and development partnership in industry to significantly reduce its substrate cost." – Dr Ralph Noble, NIAB EMR transport from waste. genuinely unavoidable. In this project we supply a range of urban agriculture systems, The staff benefitted hugely from the training collaboration with the USW team.” have deliberately focused on such material while addressing the challenge of surplus provided, and this is allowing us to explore – Virginia Gardiner, CEO, Loowatt Ltd. Lutra Ltd/Dr David Styles, ●● Improving the sustainability of Anaerobic and have gained a very useful insight into digestate at the decentralised scale; a critical the possibility of using new substrates and Bangor University “Working with Loowatt has provided the Digestion by demonstrating the potential an alternative route beyond the more- step in realising the urban organic circular innovative harvesting and pre-treatment USW team with invaluable experience and of digestate fibre to reduce peat usage ●● Evaluating cost-effective greenhouse established methanogenic AD and animal economy.” – Andreas Lang, Director of Roam methods”. – Dr Mike Mason, Chairman of insight into the process of bringing innovative in horticultural growing media. gas abatement by small-scale anaerobic feed. We are confident that significant Agency Tropical Power products to the market. The research has Beeswax Farming (Rainbow) Ltd./David digestion. commercial opportunities may arise from been both challenging and rewarding, and Stainton, University of Lincoln Renewable Energy Association/Dr David continued investigation and hope to we will be actively continuing our dialogue Styles, Bangor University collaborate further with Aberdeen University "The BIV voucher has facilitated the and collaboration with this exciting and and other academic institutions where we collaboration of four independent farming forward thinking company in the future.” have pursued allied work.” – Dr Gavin Milligan companies with their academic partner, the – Dr Tim Patterson, Project Manager, University - William Jackson Food Group University of Lincoln. It has increased our of South Wales knowledge of the AD process, particularly feedstock management; enabled applied academic research and knowledge exchange to take place and potentially resulted in a new growing media for the horticultural industry" – David Stainton, University of Lincoln

34 35 ●● Youlgrave Community Land Trust ●● Leckford Estate organic waste AD “We are delighted that this project has ●● DNA Sequence-Based Characterisation ●● Optimisation of H2 injection for in situ (YCLT) organic waste micro-AD feasibility case study and environmental successfully shown that this novel sensor of Microbial Community Development in biogas upgrading. feasibility study and case for support. impact analysis. can be deployed in the very challenging a Novel Six-Stage Anaerobic Digestion Lutra Ltd/Prof Charles Banks, University YCLT/Dr David Styles, Bangor John Lewis Partnership/Dr Yue Zhang, operational conditions. This has been a System. of Southampton University University of Southampton necessary first step in the application of this Blue Sky Bio Ltd/Dr Andrew Free, The ●● Spatial optimisation of farm-scale AD sensing approach in municipal wastewater University of Edinburgh ●● Evaluating the feasibility of fish waste ●● Optimization of a Counter-Flow and biorefinery developments in ales.W treatment. The project has contributed to the co-digestion with MSW in Stornoway. Leach Bed (CFLB) AD system for the “This award allowed us to complete a full CLA Cymru/Prof Peter Midmore, ongoing success of the Newcastle University Western Isles IWM Facility/Dr Sonia generation of energy from food wastes. scan of the microbial community present in Aberystwyth University / Northumbrian Water strategic partnership Heaven, University of Southampton Kingdom Bioenergy (KBE) Ltd/Dr our fermenter. This work is the cornerstone of and to the close working relationship “This project with Newcastle University has Lynsey Melville, Birmingham City our new research program looking producing ●● Towards engineering microbial between researcher and operators.” helped to move forward the technological University high values product from organic waste communities to treat a defined waste – Northumbrian Water readiness of a reliable inline BOD monitor from a modified microbial community. This stream. ●● Study into the benefits of the integration for effluent treatment systems. Such “Developing our novel BOD sensing successful collaboration with Dr Free and the Algal Omega 3 Ltd/Prof Orkun Soyer, of biomethanation of green hydrogen systems have the potential for enhanced technology with two highly engaged partners University of Edinburgh was the first step on University of Warwick with renewable electricity production performance, efficiency and compliance from the private sector has opened up new a long collaboration.” – BlueSkyBio Ltd. from anaerobic digestion and wind by using live BOD data to manage effluent "This project demonstrated the technical doors in applied research and provided fresh power at the Creed Enterprise Park in ●● Investigation of the Role of CreChar® stream mixing rates and flows through their capabilities of the Soyer lab, providing insight perspective on where the system may be Stornoway. in Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer treatment stages in future.” and new learnings. The foundation provided effectively deployed. We are looking forward Western Isles IWM Facility/Prof During Anaerobic Digestion. – Chivas Brothers by this project should be built upon by a to working with them as we follow on from Mohamed Pourkashanian, University of Carbogenics Ltd/Dr Andrew Free, The longer term collaboration." – AO3 our initial successful collaboration, with Sheffield University of Edinburgh the aim of producing a system that can be This project provided the basis for longer developed to a commercially viable product.” term collaborations with industry, where ●● Development of a Real-Time Water “This award enabled us to achieve our aim of – Newcastle University we can address industrial needs with the Quality Sensor for Estimation of BOD identifying the key microbial species in each scientifically tractable and exciting and Toxicity. stage of the BlueSkyBio multi-stage reactor, approach of synthetic microbial community Northumbrian Water Group Ltd/Prof Ian and how they are affected by changes in design." M. Head, Newcastle University feedstock. We will now use this information, via an EPSRC CASE studentship awarded - Prof Orkun Soyer, University of Warwick to Dr Horsfall and Dr Free, to isolate, characterise and optimise specific species from these microbial communities for the production of biomethane, biohydrogen and volatile fatty acids in this bioreactor system.” – 36 Dr Andrew Free, The University of Edinburgh 37 2015: IWA World Congress of Anaerobic 2016: The European Biogas Conference, 2017: 15th IWA World Conference on “…Having recently completed a PhD using Selected travel bursaries Digestion, Viña del Mar, Chile Ghent, Belgium Anaerobic Digestion (AD-15) Beijing, China AD technologies, my attendance to the conference gave me the opportunity to “…this opportunity allowed me to engage “…More than 200 delegates attended the “…I gave an oral presentation in font of about showcase my research and present my with researchers and scientists, getting event including stakeholders from European 300 people that was successfully received findings to a dedicated group of scientists insight into technological progresses around policy-making, industry, academia and trade by the audience attracting many questions with similar goals and interests. Being the world, engage in scientific discussions associations coming from 29 countries. This of interest. Furthermore, I participated in the surrounded with a vast range of projects with and building professional relationships conference was selected for presenting poster competition that was really tough in relevance to my own work allowed me to which may facilitate future collaborations.” our work on methane losses from biogas which more than 180 posters were displayed further broaden my own ideas and potential - Hitesh C Boghani, Faculty of Computing, production due to the diverse audience with interesting a diverse topics related with avenues of research and to meet and Engineering and Science, University of South and range of important stakeholders that AD. At the end I got award for one of the make new connections with potential future Wales attend…” - Paul Adams, Department of best posters of the competition. I would like collaborators.” - Julian Pietrzyk, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath to express my gratitude to the AD Network “…The work … obtained in its peer Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh for allowed me to disseminate part of the review one of the three highest scores of 2017: The International Conference Progress research that we are conducting in UK and “…Attending talks and discussing projects the conference. For this reason, it was in Biogas IV, Stuttgart, Germany to live this completely new experience.” - with people at the poster session was acknowledged with one of the awards for “…As a member of UK ADNET, I also Christian Israel Aragon-Briceno, School of fascinating and probably provided enough best oral presentation in the conference…” realized that UK ADNET is at the forefront of Engineering, University of Leeds ideas to re-do my PhD! Each of the ECR - Rebeca Gonzalez Cabaleiro, School new developments, adding to the practical bursary recipients said that this experience of Chemical Engineering and Advanced “…The conference was a huge opportunity implications in the field of AD and Biogas. was invaluable in increasing our knowledge Materials, Newcastle University for an early career researcher like me to I am appreciative of the support Anaerobic of AD systems and current trends as well as expand and experience the international 2016: Biogas Science, University of Szeged, Digestion Network (ADNET UK) extended in developing our networks with each other level of presenting own work, receive and Hungary for providing travel grant to attend the and peers from around the world. Personally, contribute to the extension of knowledge in International Conference.’’ - Muhammad without this grant I would not have been able “…I gave a presentation about my research the AD area. The conference was a one off Farooq, School of Engineering and Physical to travel to this bi-annual conference (I was with the topic ‘Implementation of non- learning environment where I could meet Sciences, Heriot-Watt University also unable to attend the last one) so the my peers, experts and also my role models. adsorbent granules in gas-spared anaerobic bursary money enabled me to showcase my ” - Roshni Paul, Faculty of Computing, membrane bioreactor for fouling mitigation’ work and discuss with others what Newcastle Engineering and the Built Environment, in process technology and life cycle analysis University can offer.”- Andrew Zealand, Birmingham City University session.”- Pakpong Sriprasert , Faculty of School of Engineering, Newcastle University Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton

38 39 Supporting the Future Our secondments and bursaries have supported numerous researchers to obtain new skills, exchange knowledge and make new connections. Nurturing the enthusiasm and talents of our Early Career Researchers (ECRs) is the best way to ensure sustained future growth in AD capabilities. This relies upon the continuous upskilling of existing researchers and ongoing professional development of the next generation. Examples of the kind of activities we have supported through the years include travel bursaries for UK events and overseas conferences as well as training visits and placements.

Hitesh Boghani, Rebeca Gonzalez Cabaleiro, Santiago Pacheco-Ruiz at the 14th IWA World Christian Aragon-Briceno, Alba Serna-Maza, Andrew Zealand, Julian Pietrzyk, Roshni Paul and Chihiro Masusawa Congress of Anaerobic Digestion in Viña del Mar, Chile; 15-18th November 2015

40 41 Selected secondments Technical visit to the Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea

The Sustainable, Environmental Membrane Technology (SEMT) Laboratory at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University (Republic of Korea) is expert on submerged membrane bioreactors (SAnMBR) including understanding hydrodynamics and fouling control. This research group has developed the anaerobic fluidized membrane bioreactor with granular activated carbon (GAC) as membrane scouring system not only at lab scale but also at pilot scale (0.77 m3).

”The requested bursary has enriched our knowledge on SAnMBRs operation using granular activated carbon as a membrane fouling control measure at lab and pilot scale for optimization of anaerobic digestion processes for low strength wastewaters. Additionally, the ability to build membrane modules to be installed in lab scale bioreactors and to quantify membrane performance after chemical cleaning has been broadened.” - Alba Serna-Maza - Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton Prof Jeonghwan Kim, Prof Jaeho Bae, Prof Charles Banks, Dr Alba Serna-Maza and post-graduate students

42 43 Workshop on Quantitative Laws II – “During my research visit to Aalborg Fondazione Alessandro Volta, Como, Italy University, I have gained confidence in effective data handling and analysis that will The aim of the workshop was to bring speed up the progress on my project. This scientists from a diverse set of backgrounds secondment has opened possibilities for together, including statistical physics, future collaboration and knowledge exchange mathematics, evolutionary ecology, and it has provided invaluable experience bioinformatics and evolutionary genomics, that will enhance my career prospects“ whose research contributed to the - Anna Alessi, Department of Biology, University understanding of relevant empirical data. of York “I was exposed to new areas of research and The OpenLB Spring School, Karlsruhe learned about different methods, techniques (Germany) and approaches that will be invaluable in my career. This workshop has given me food for This grant allowed me to attend the OpenLB thought and it will be reflected in my future Spring School where I was provided a formal research” - Andrea Martinez Vernon, School Of training in LBM theory and OpenLB core Life Science, University Of Warwick code within its official releaser. The school’s activities consisted of lessons on theoretical Aarlborg University (Denmark) - to learn and practical aspects of LBM, classes on additional methods for AD metagenomes OpenLB’s functionalities and working, guided analysis exercises/practical simulation runs with The main aim of my secondment visit was to OpenLB, and individual guidance on OpenLB acquire bioinformatics “hands on” experience and LBM. using the Environmental Biotechnology “The best-spent money on my academic (EB) group at Aalborg University (Denmark) career” - Davide Dapelo, School of Civil and expertise in data analysis. Structural Engineering, University of Bradford

Dr Anna Alessi with her host Associate Dr Dapelo at the OpenLB Spring School 44 Professor Mads Albertsen 45 The Executive Board: The Executive Board are responsible for undertaking delivery of the Network aims and the Management Board guide priorities, shape strategy, and assess applications The Anaerobic Digestion Network Team for funds. An International Advisory Group provides further expertise, advice and a pool of expert referees. Contact: Angela Bywater/Dr Louise Byfield Email: [email protected] “ADNet has been a great resource for both Tel: 02380 591281 Web: www.anerobicdigestionnet.com Address: Room 2017/Building 15 Professor Charles Banks (Primary Professor Orkun Soyer (Co-Investigator) is academia and industry. It brings people Highfield Campus Investigator) is an Emeritus Professor within a systems and synthetic biologist leading a University of Southampton Engineering and the Environment at the research group at the University of Warwick. together and has promoted AD in many ways SO17 1BJ University of Southampton. His current He is PI of a BBSRC strategic LoLa grant research projects include Biomethanisation in Synthetic Biology and is involved in an enabling projects and research that wouldn’t of CO2 in Anaerobic Digestion plants, part Isaac Newton Institute Research Programme of the IB Catalyst programme; the BBSRC which will focus on combining mathematical ERA-Net AmbiGAS project on AD of high- and experimental approaches for research have been undertaken without it.” volume low-strength wastewaters; All-Gas, on microbial communities. He edited the Europe’s first industrial scale demonstration first book on the Emerging of Evolutionary of sustainable algae cultures for biofuel Systems biology, a Current Opinion in production, led by Aqualia SA and the Biotechnology special edition on systems Supergen project on integration of AD and and synthetic biology and is a fellow of pyrolysis. EGENIS, an interdisciplinary research centre for Genomics in Society.

46 47 Tropical Power AD plant, Naivasha, Kenya courtesy of Dr Jem Woods, Imperial College London The Anaerobic Digestion Network T: 02380 591281 E: [email protected] W: www.anerobicdigestionnet.com