Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 118-131 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 128 stability (Ali et al., 2021). The development of two-stage anaerobic co-digestion processes, which involve pretreating organic wastes before digestion, has also been highlighted as a promising approach to enhance biomethane yields (Noor et al., 2021). 10.2 Potential for scaling up and commercialization The potential for scaling up and commercializing anaerobic digestion technology is substantial, particularly with the integration of biogas upgrading systems that convert biogas to pipeline-quality biomethane. This biomethane can be injected into the gas grid, providing a decentralized solution for biomass feedstocks and reducing the need for biomass transportation (Verbeeck et al., 2018). The economic feasibility of such systems has been demonstrated, with studies showing positive net return values and reasonable payback times (Noor et al., 2021). Furthermore, the use of anaerobic digestion for the treatment of solid organic wastes (SOWs) and food waste has been recognized as an effective method for waste management and energy production, with various performance-enhancing strategies being explored to promote industrial applications (Ren et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2019). 10.3 Gaps in current research and areas for future investigation Despite the advancements in anaerobic digestion technology, several gaps remain in current research. One major area that requires further investigation is the optimization of feedstock compositions and operating conditions to maximize biomethane production. The effects of different feedstock characteristics, such as particle size and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, on the anaerobic digestion process need to be critically explored (Pan et al., 2021). Additionally, there is a need for more research on the genetic engineering of enzymes and microbial strains to enhance the efficiency of the digestion process (Zhang et al., 2019). The development of novel pretreatment methods and the integration of multiple enhancing techniques also present opportunities for future research (Neri et al., 2023). 10.4 Collaborative efforts and partnerships for advancing anaerobic digestion technology Advancing anaerobic digestion technology will require collaborative efforts and partnerships between academia, industry, and government. Collaborative research initiatives can help address the technical challenges associated with anaerobic digestion and promote the development of innovative solutions. Partnerships with industry can facilitate the commercialization of new technologies and the scaling up of anaerobic digestion systems. Government support, in the form of regulatory incentives and funding, will be crucial in promoting the adoption of anaerobic digestion technology and achieving sustainability goals (Molino et al., 2013; Verbeeck et al., 2018). By fostering collaboration and leveraging the expertise of various stakeholders, the potential of anaerobic digestion technology can be fully realized, contributing to a circular bioeconomy and sustainable energy future. 11 Concluding Remarks The systematic study of recent advancements in anaerobic digestion (AD) technology for converting agricultural waste into biomethane has highlighted several key findings. Integrating pyrolysis with AD has shown a significant increase in biomethane production, achieving an overall efficiency of 67% compared to 52% for standalone AD systems. The use of biochar as an additive in AD processes has been found to enhance hydrolysis, acidogenesis-acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, thereby stabilizing digester performance and increasing methane yield. Additionally, the application of conductive materials like graphene has demonstrated potential in boosting biomethane yield and production rate through direct interspecies electron transfer. Co-digestion strategies, particularly at wastewater treatment plants, have also been effective in generating surplus biogas, which can be upgraded to biomethane for use as fuel or town gas. Furthermore, pretreatment of lignocellulosic waste with microbial consortia has significantly improved biogas and methane yields. The findings from this study have significant implications for sustainable waste management and renewable energy production. The integration of pyrolysis and AD not only enhances biomethane production but also provides a viable solution for managing different fractions of agricultural waste, thereby reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. The use of biochar and other additives in AD processes can lead to more
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