Microbial Adaptation and Cotreatment-Enhanced Biomass Solubilization in Anaerobic Digestion

Renewable energy technologies that produce biofuels and biochemicals profitably and cleanly are needed to replace existing fossil fuel consumption demands. One such technology receiving renewed interest is anaerobic digestion –the biodegradation of organic material for the production ofvalue-added chemicals and fuels like organic acids and biogas. This talk focuses on the study of anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic plant biomass, the various process parameters, and the microbial community involved in it. Furthermore, a novel strategy to improve biomass digestibility, known as “cotreatment”, will be discussed along with its impact on anaerobic fermentation and microbial communities. Anahita Bharadwaj is a Ph.D. candidate at the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department (ABE), Penn State University. She works in the Bioconversion lab with Dr. Tom Richard, Professor, ABE. Her current research involves the study of various factors such as process parameters and microbial communities that impact plant material digestibility and efficiency of biomass-based anaerobic fermentation. Previously, Anahita completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Biotechnology in India. Anahita’s research interests are in bioenergy and bioproduct technology development, bioprocess engineering, environmental biotechnology, and sustainable development.