Effect of Anaerobic Fungal Pre-treatment on Biomethane Potential

Thesis Objectives

As part of the BMLEH (FNR)-funded project LCR-PILZE, the potential of anaerobic fungi to improve methane yield during biogas production is being investigated in a pilot-scale biogas plant.

The main hypothesis to be tested is whether biological pre-treatment with anaerobic fungi accelerates the degradation of lignocellulose-rich agricultural fermentation residues, resulting in more efficient biogas production. To evaluate this, the biogas production of four selected anaerobic fungal strains will be determined using anaerobic batch reactors.

Tasks

• Determination of biomethane potential (BMP) of anaerobic fungi in batch tests
• Assessment of lignocellulose degradation efficiency
• Comparison of biological pre-treatment of lignocellulosic residues with chemical and physical pre-treatment methods
• Hands-on work at the biogas pilot plant in Dürnast

Requirements

• Enrolled Bachelor's student in Biology, Molecular Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related field
• Good theoretical background in microbiology
• Experience with microbiological laboratory methods, ideally in anaerobic microbiology
• Interest in sustainable biogas production processes

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to an interdisciplinary and sustainable research project
• Training in methods of (anaerobic) microbiology and chemical analytics
• Insights into the operation of a technical-scale biogas plant

Interested?

Send us an e-mail including a letter of motivation and short CV (incl. relevant expertise/internships etc.)