Ecology and application of haloalkaliphilic anaerobic microbial communities
João A.B. Sousa (Wageningen University & Research, Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology)
Dimitry Y. Sorokin (TU Delft - BT/Environmental Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences)
Martijn F.M. Bijmans (Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology)
Caroline M. Plugge (Wageningen University & Research, Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology)
Alfons J.M. Stams (University of Minho, Wageningen University & Research)
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Abstract
Haloalkaliphilic microorganisms that grow optimally at high-pH and high-salinity conditions can be found in natural environments such as soda lakes. These globally spread lakes harbour interesting anaerobic microorganisms that have the potential of being applied in existing technologies or create new opportunities. In this review, we discuss the potential application of haloalkaliphilic anaerobic microbial communities in the fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks material subjected to an alkaline pre-treatment, methane production and sulfur removal technology. Also, the general advantages of operation at haloalkaline conditions, such as low volatile fatty acid and sulfide toxicity, are addressed. Finally, an outlook into the main challenges like ammonia toxicity and lack of aggregation is provided.
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