Organic Biomass Research Articles

In situ composite of biomass derived carbon/porous carbon nitride and its enhanced performance in solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Converting waste organic biomass into functional carbon materials is regarded as a sustainable development strategy to address environmental pollution and energy crisis. In this work, carbon/porous carbon nitride (PCN) composite photothermal catalysts were prepared via an in-situ method with urea and phragmites spikelets as raw materials for the solar-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The biomass derived porous carbon, in close contact with PCN, not only acts as a charge transfer bridge facilitating the rapid separation and migration of photogenerated charges but also serves as a photothermal carrier to enhance the kinetic process of the photocatalytic reaction. Under simulated solar irradiation (AM 1.5 G), the optimal HER rate of the composite catalyst is 4.98 mmol g−1h−1, which is 2.1 times that of pure PCN. The physicochemical properties of the materials, including morphology, crystal structure, elemental composition and state, and energy band characteristics, were determined. Additionally, theoretical calculations were employed to explore the impact of biomass-derived porous carbon on the electronic structure and band structure of carbon nitride. This work not only broadens the range of raw materials for biomass-derived porous carbon but also provides a novel strategy for promoting photocatalytic HER through synergistic multifield effects, showing broad application prospects in the field of resource recovery and green catalysis.

Characterization of two bacterial tyrosinases from the halophilic bacterium Hahella sp. CCB MM4 relevant for phenolic compounds oxidation in wetlands.

Tyrosinases (TYRs) are type-3 copper proteins that are widely distributed in nature. They can hydroxylate and oxidize phenolic molecules and are mostly known for producing melanins that confer protection against photo induced damage. TYRs are also thought to play an important role in the 'latch mechanism', where high concentrations of phenolic compounds inhibit oxidative decomposition of organic biomass and subsequent CO2 release, especially relevant in wetland environments. In the present study, we describe two TYRs, HcTyr1 and HcTyr2, from halophilic bacterium Hahella sp. CCB MM4 previously isolated at Matang mangrove forest in Perak, Malaysia. The structure of HcTyr1 was determined by X-ray crystallography at a resolution of 1.9 Å and represents an uncharacterized group of prokaryotic TYRs as demonstrated by a sequence similarity network analysis. The genes encoding the enzymes were cloned, expressed, purified and thoroughly characterized by biochemical methods. HcTyr1 was able to self-cleave its lid-domain (LID) in a protease independent manner, whereas the LID of HcTyr2 was essential for activity and stability. Both enzymes showed variable activity in the presence of different metals, surfactants and NaCl, and were able to oxidize lignin constituents. The high salinity tolerance of HcTyr1 indicates that the enzyme can be an efficient catalyst in the habitat of the host.

Remoción de cromo (VI) de agua residual de curtiembre empleando biomasa orgánica vegetal en un reactor biológico secuencial aerobio

[Introduction]: In the removal of chromium (VI) from tannery wastewater, physicochemical methods are the most used. However, these require high operating costs, and worse still, generate secondary pollutants that again require complementary treatments for their elimination. Given this, the applicability of plant organic biomass (VOB) emerges as an environmental alternative based on the adsorption of chromium (VI), the simplicity of obtaining it, the reduction as waste and, above all, it does not generate secondary pollutants. [Objective]: Use VOB waste in an aerobic sequential biological reactor (SBR) for the removal of chromium (VI) in the treatment of tannery wastewater. [Methodology]: 3 aerobic SBR systems were implemented; 2 controls (SBR1 and SBR2) and 1 study subject (SBR+VOB). Each system was fed with tannery wastewater (18 L) and connected to an aeration system (12.7 L/min). The bacterial inoculum, a fundamental part of an SBR system, was obtained from the selective culture of chromium (VI) reducing bacteria (RBCrVI) taken from the wastewater under study, and integrated into SBR2 and SBR+VOB at 0.6 g/L. The VOB was obtained from Stenotaphrum secundatum residues, fragmented, sieved, sterilized and integrated into the SBR+VOB at 1.5 g/L. [Results]: The SBR+VOB system achieved the highest percentage of chromium (VI) removal (93 %), followed by SBR2 (80.1 %), and finally SBR1 (2.8 %). With respect to COD and TSS, the statistical test (Tukey) showed that there was no significant difference between the system under study and the controls, recording COD removal percentages ranging from 87.8 % to 88.4 %, and TSS ranging from 63.8 % to 69.2 %. [Conclusions]: The viability of using VOB waste to remove chromium (VI) in the treatment of tannery wastewater has been evidenced. The results of this research create a promising panorama to mitigate the effects derived from inadequate management of tannery wastewater and organic solid waste.

A soft processing technology for the extraction of cellulose from plant residues and agri-food wastes

In this study, cellulose was extracted from giant cane (GC), Posidonia oceanica seagrass (PO), coffee silverskin (CS), and brewer's spent grain (BSG) as alternatives to conventional sources of cellulose. The extraction protocol involved three steps: i) hemicellulose and lignin removal through alkaline hydrolysis in a 5% (w/v) NaOH solution (solid-to-liquid ratio = 1:100 g/mL, T = 25 °C, t = 2 h, ω = 300 rpm), ii) removal of organic compounds and ashes through a 95% (v/v) ethanol solution (solid-to-liquid ratio = 1:25 g/mL, T = 25 °C, t = 0.5 h, ω = 500 rpm), and iii) double bleaching in a 1% (w/v) acidic (pH = 4) NaClO2 solution (solid-to-liquid ratio = 1:50 g/mL, T = 90 °C, t = 1.5 h, ω = 500 rpm). Yield, purity, crystallinity degree, and morphology of cellulose extracted through a soft-chemical cascade process were assessed by gravimetric, infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Averaged cellulose extraction yields of 36.4, 38.6, 23.1, and 22.2% for GC, PO, CS, and BSG were obtained, respectively. All cellulose samples had high purity, though lower than the ultra-pure bacterial cellulose, which was due to the slight contamination from unremoved hemicellulose and lignin residues. Cellulose samples exhibited similar chemical features and the typical fibril-like morphology of microcrystalline cellulose (6–13 μm in width). The versatility of the proposed extraction procedure supports the sustainable conversion of low-cost organic biomasses to valuable products with manifold industrial applications (e.g., food packaging).

Integrating biochar production in biorefineries: towards a sustainable future and circular economy

AbstractBiochar, a carbon‐rich material derived from organic biomass under low‐O2 conditions, has gained importance due to its role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon. It can be used as an alternative energy source and has applications in nutrient cycling, improving soil properties, and removing heavy metals and organic pollutants, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation. In the face of alarming climate change, rising energy demand, and increasing pollution, the integration of biochar production into biorefineries is an important strategy to promote a sustainable and circular economy. Adopting a holistic approach to biomass utilization by developing strategies to maximize biochar production along with the production of other value‐added products while improving its quality can increase biorefineries' overall sustainability and efficiency. Fine‐tuning the biorefinery process from feedstock selection to co‐production, optimizing pyrolysis conditions, and integrating it with other technologies can help to achieve this goal while generating zero waste and diversified revenues. With the biochar market growing exponentially, further research into the long‐term impact of biochar on carbon sequestration and its application in the environment is the next step.

Evaluating the effects of desalination antiscalants on phytoplankton and bacterial communities in oligotrophic environments

Antiscalants are used in seawater desalination facilities and are typically discharged with the brine back into the coastal environment. We investigated the impact of two commonly-used antiscalants; polyphosphonates and polycarboxylates-based, on phytoplankton and bacterial communities in the oligotrophic Gulf of Aqaba (Northern Red Sea) using mesocosms simulating different antiscalants concentrations. Our results indicate that the addition of polyphosphonates or poly-carboxylates antiscalants significantly altered phytoplankton and bacterial growth, despite being ‘theoretically’ unavailable for microbial utilization. Specifically, the addition of polyphosphonates resulted in a significant eutrophication leading to increase phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacterial biomass. Contrary, the addition polycarboxylates antiscalants triggered a moderate increase in heterotrophic bacterial biomass and a slight phytoplankton loss, summing to a zero change in bacterioplankton's organic biomass. Altogether, the enhanced autotrophic/heterotrophic biomass attributed to the discharge of polyphosphonates-based antiscalants could impair the pretreatment procedure and increase fouling propensity on the reverse-osmosis membranes. Therefore, it is recommended to minimize/avoid the use of polyphosphonates antiscalants in P-limited oligotrophic seas if the brine is discharged into oligotrophic environments.

Enzymes from Fishery and Aquaculture Waste: Research Trends in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Circular Bio-Economy.

In the era of the blue bio-economy, which promotes the sustainable utilization and exploitation of marine resources for economic growth and development, the fisheries and aquaculture industries still face huge sustainability issues. One of the major challenges of these industries is associated with the generation and management of wastes, which pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if not properly treated. In the best-case scenario, fishery and aquaculture waste is processed into low-value commodities such as fishmeal and fish oil. However, this renewable organic biomass contains a number of highly valuable bioproducts, including enzymes, bioactive peptides, as well as functional proteins and polysaccharides. Marine-derived enzymes are known to have unique physical, chemical and catalytic characteristics and are reported to be superior to those from plant and animal origins. Moreover, it has been established that enzymes from marine species possess cold-adapted properties, which makes them interesting from technological, economic and sustainability points of view. Therefore, this review centers around enzymes from fishery and aquaculture waste, with a special focus on proteases, lipases, carbohydrases, chitinases and transglutaminases. Additionally, the use of fishery and aquaculture waste as a substrate for the production of industrially relevant microbial enzymes is discussed. The application of emerging technologies (i.e., artificial intelligence and machine learning) in microbial enzyme production is also presented.

A new fabricated hetero-atom doped carbon quantum dots as a fluorescent probe for metronidazole determination using garlic and red lentils with microwave assistance.

Biocompatible and highly fluorescent phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur carbon quantum dots (P,N,S-CQDs) were synthesized using a quick and ecologically friendly process inspired from plant sources. Garlic and red lentils were utilized as natural and inexpensive sources for efficient synthesis of the carbon-based quantum dots using green microwave-irradiation, which provides an ultrafast route for carbonization of the organic biomass and subsequent fabrication of P,N,S-CQDs within only 3 min. The formed P,N,S-CQDs showed excellent blue fluorescence at λem= 412 nm when excited at 325 nm with a quantum yield up to 26.4%. These fluorescent dots were used as a nano-sensor for the determination of the commonly used antibacterial and antiprotozoal drug, metronidazole (MTR). As MTR lacked native fluorescence and prior published techniques had several limitations, the proposed methodology became increasingly relevant. This approach affords sensitive detection with a wide linear range of 0.5-100.0μM and LOD and LOQ values of 0.14 μM and 0.42 μM, respectively. As well as, it is cost-effective and ecologically benign. The MTT test was used to evaluate the in-vitro cytotoxicity of the fabricated P,N,S-CQDs. The findings supported a minimally cytotoxic impact and good biocompatibility, which provide a future perspective for the applicability of these CQDs in biomedical applications.

Hydrothermal Carbonization Technology for Wastewater Treatment under the “Dual Carbon” Goals: Current Status, Trends, and Challenges

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technology transforms organic biomass components, such as cellulose and lignin, into valuable carbon materials, gases and inorganic salts through hydrolysis, degradation and polymerization, with significant advantages over traditional methods by reducing energy consumption, lowering pollutant emissions and enhancing carbonization efficiency. In the context of global climate change, HTC plays a critical role in water environment management by addressing industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastewater challenges. The application of HTC extends to wastewater treatment, where hydrochar effectively adsorbs heavy metals, organic compounds, and anions, thereby improving water quality. However, challenges remain, such as optimizing the process for diverse raw materials, managing economic costs, and addressing environmental and social impacts. Future research and policy support are essential for advancing HTC technology. By enhancing reaction mechanisms, developing catalysts, and promoting international cooperation, HTC can significantly contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality goals and fostering sustainable development.

Enhancing Crop Resilience to Climate Change through Biochar: A Review

Crop resilience is crucial in the face of climate change, as agricultural regions face unprecedented challenges such as rising global temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased extreme weather events. These changes impact food security, crop yields, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. Crops face threats from heat stress, changing pest and disease dynamics, water scarcity, and unpredictable growing seasons. Crop resilience involves a complex interplay of genetics, environmental factors, and agricultural practices. Researchers and agricultural scientists are exploring innovative approaches like selective breeding, genetic modification, and precision agriculture to enhance crop resilience. Integrating traditional knowledge and indigenous farming practices into modern agricultural strategies is essential for securing food production, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural systems, conserving biodiversity, and supporting community resilience in an uncertain climate future. Crop resilience is central to ensuring global food security, supporting rural livelihoods, preserving ecosystems, and advancing sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change challenges. Biochar, a climate-resilient agricultural amendment, is gaining attention for its role in enhancing agricultural sustainability and mitigating climate change. Its porous structure and high carbon content sequester carbon dioxide, improve soil health, and reduce nutrient leaching. Biochar's porous nature fosters a rich microbial community, aids in nutrient cycling, and aids in rehabilitating degraded soils. It also reduces synthetic fertilizer requirements and environmental pollution. Climate change significantly impacts crop agriculture, disrupting traditional growth patterns and threatening global food security. High temperatures cause heat stress, while droughts and floods cause soil desiccation, impairing crop yields. Increased plant diseases and pests spread, while higher CO2 levels stimulate photosynthesis but reduce essential nutrients. Rising temperatures disrupt vegetative and reproductive growth phases, pollination, and seed formation, compromising crop quality and market value. Biochar is a porous material formed through pyrolysis, a process where organic biomass is decomposed under limited oxygen conditions. It is primarily carbon-rich but contains hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and minerals. As a soil amendment, biochar is a stable carbon sink with a high carbon content of 70-90%. Its porous structure allows it to efficiently adsorb and retain water, nutrients, and organic compounds. Its large surface area facilitates interactions with soil microbes and nutrient ions, and its high CEC helps in nutrient retention and soil fertility.

Prospective Roles of Extremophilic Fungi in Climate Change Mitigation Strategies.

Climate change and the resultant environmental deterioration signify one of the most challenging problems facing humankind in the 21st century. The origins of climate change are multifaceted and rooted in anthropogenic activities, resulting in increasing greenhouse gases in the environment and leading to global warming and weather drifts. Extremophilic fungi, characterized by their exceptional properties to survive extreme habitats, harbor great potential in mitigating climate change effects. This review provides insight into the potential applications of extremophilic fungi in climate change mitigation strategies. They are able to metabolize organic biomass and degrade carbon compounds, thereby safely sequestering carbon and extenuating its release into the environment as noxious greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they possess extremozymes, which break down recalcitrant organic species, including lignocellulosic biomass and hydrocarbons. Enzymatic machinery equips these extremophilic fungi to perform the bioremediation of polluted environments. Extremophilic fungi can also be exploited for various biological interventions, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and other bioprocessing applications. However, these fungi characterize a valued but underexplored resource in the arsenal of climate change mitigation strategies.

Harnessing Ash for Sustainable CO2 Absorption: Current Strategies and Future Prospects.

This review explores the potential of using different types of ash, namely fly ash, biomass ash, and coal ash etc., as mediums for CO2 capture and sequestration. The diverse origins of these ash types - municipal waste, organic biomass, and coal combustion - impart unique physicochemical properties that influence their suitability and efficiency in CO2 absorption. This review first discusses the environmental and economic implications of using ash wastes, emphasizing the reduction in landfill usage and the transformation of waste into value-added products. Then the chemical/physical treatments of ash wastes and their inherent capabilities in binding or reacting with CO2 are introduced, along with current methodologies utilize these ashes for CO2 sequestration, including mineral carbonation and direct air capture techniques. The application of using ash wastes for CO2 capture are highlighted, followed by the discussion regarding challenges associated with ash-based CO2 absorption approach. Finally, the article projects into the future, proposing innovative approaches and technological advancements needed to enhance the efficacy of ash in combating the increasing CO2 levels. By providing a comprehensive analysis of current strategies and envisioning future prospects, this review aims to contribute to the field of sustainable CO2 absorption and environmental management.

Multiple organic tracer analyses of biomass changes affected by the open burning of rice residues

Daily PM2.5 samples were collected at a rural site in Fukui City, Japan, over two months from September to November 2019, covering the rice harvest and postharvest periods, to understand the changes in levels of combustion of various types of biomass during the autumn season. Four organic tracer components of biomass combustion—levoglucosan, mannosan, vanillic acid, and dehydroabietic acid—were analyzed from the PM2.5 samples to reveal their relationships with different types of biomass, such as plants and forests. The ratio of levoglucosan-to-mannosan, a typical organic tracer component of biomass combustion, changed from an average value of 36 ± 17 during the rice harvest season to a value of 13 ± 4 after the rice harvest season, indicating a shift in the primary combustibles from crop residues such as rice straw to other combustibles. The concentration and proportion of mannosan and dehydroabietic acid increased after the rice harvest season, indicating an increase in the proportion of conifers among biomass-burning species. Our new analysis of multiple organic biomass burning (BB) traces indicated the availability of the elucidation of compositional changes in different BB types.

Effect of excess CO2 on semi-continuous microalgae systems: Carbon biofixation

Microalgae-based CO2 fixation is a promising solution for achieving carbon neutrality. However, the low rate of carbon fixation is a significant issue due to gas transfer. A closed cultivation system was employed to overcome this challenge, incorporating headspace micro-positive pressure and elevated total CO2 (TCO2) levels to minimize CO2 loss and improve CO2 mass transfer. Microalgae could thrive and maintain a higher level of system pH within the TCO2 range of 0.12–0.49 mol CO2/L absorbent, and high TCO2 levels over 0.36 mol CO2/L absorbent were the optimal range. The semi-continuous microalgae system removed up to 8.72 ± 0.85 g CO2/L/day. Simultaneously, it exhibited phosphate and nitrate removal rates of 50.95 ± 10.71 and 182.14 ± 30.71 mg/L/day, respectively. The study found that 80% of the removed carbon was fixed as organic biomass. An increased level of TCO2 resulted in the accumulation of more lipids within the cells. Moreover, microalgae released carbon fixation products into the extracellular environment, and the dissolved organic carbon fixation rate reached as high as 14.58 ± 1.89 mmol/L/day. These findings suggest that microalgae use multiple pathways for carbon fixation, including biomass organic carbon accumulation, extracellular organic carbon secretion, and inorganic carbon precipitation. Improving carbon fixation rates may benefit the industrial application of microalgae technology, which aims to mitigate carbon emissions.

Reevaluating Abrupt Biological Discontinuity in a Small Michigan (USA) Stream – Differences in the Organic Biomass of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Functional Feeding Groups Based on Benthic and Terrestrial Habitat

Reevaluating Abrupt Biological Discontinuity in a Small Michigan (USA) Stream – Differences in the Organic Biomass of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Functional Feeding Groups Based on Benthic and Terrestrial Habitat

Ridge with no-tillage facilitates microbial N2 fixation associated with methane oxidation in rice soil

Aerobic methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) play a crucial role in mitigating the greenhouse gas methane emission, particularly prevalent in flooded wetlands. The implementation of ridge with no-tillage practices within a rice-rape rotation system proves effective in overcoming the restrictive redox conditions associated with waterlogging. This approach enhances capillary water availability from furrows, especially during periods of low rainfall, thereby supporting plant growth on the ridges. However, the microbe-mediated accumulation of soil organic carbon and nitrogen remains insufficiently understood under this agricultural practice, particularly concerning methane oxidation, which holds ecological and agricultural significance in the rice fields. In this study, the ridge and ditch soils from a 28-year-old ridge with no-tillage rice field experiment were utilized for incubation with 13C-CH4 and 15NN2 to estimate the methane-oxidizing and N2-fixing potentials. Our findings reveal a significantly higher net production of fresh soil organic carbon in the ridge compared to the ditch soil during methane oxidation, with values of 626 and 543 μg 13C g−1 dry weight soil, respectively. Additionally, the fixed 15N exhibited a twofold increase in the ridge soil (14.1 μg 15N g−1 dry weight soil) compared to the ditch soil. Interestingly, the result of DNA-based stable isotope probing indicated no significant differences in active MOB and N2 fixers between ridge and ditch soils. Both Methylocystis-like type II and Methylosarcina/Methylomonas-like type I MOB catalyzed methane into organic biomass carbon pools. Soil N2-fixing activity was associated with the 15N-labeling of methane oxidizers and non-MOB, such as methanol oxidizers (Hyphomicrobium) and conventional N2 fixers (Burkholderia). Methane oxidation also fostered microbial interactions, as evidenced by co-occurrence patterns. These results underscore the dual role of microbial methane oxidation – not only as a recognized sink for the potent greenhouse gas methane but also as a source of soil organic carbon and bioavailable nitrogen. This emphasizes the pivotal role of microbial methane metabolism in contributing to soil carbon and nitrogen accumulation in ridge with no-tillage systems.

Heterotrophic Selenium Incorporation into Chlorella vulgaris K-01: Selenium Tolerance, Assimilation, and Removal through Microalgal Cells

Chlorella has been applied in the production of selenium (Se) enriched organic biomass. However, limited information exists regarding heterotrophic selenium tolerance and its incorporation into Chlorella. This study aimed to investigate the potential of using Chlorella vulgaris K-01 for selenium biotransformation. To assess the dose-response effect of Se stress on the strain, time-series growth curves were recorded, growth productivity parameters were calculated, and Gaussian process (GP) regression analysis was performed. The strain’s carbon and energy metabolism were evaluated by measuring residual glucose in the medium. Characterization of different forms of intracellular Se and residual Se in the medium was conducted using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The EC50 value for the strain in response to Se stress was 38.08 mg/L. The maximum biomass productivity was 0.26 g/L/d. GP regression analysis revealed that low-level Se treatment could increase the biomass accumulation and the carrying capacity of Chlorella vulgaris K-01 in a heterotrophic culture. The maximum organic Se in biomass was 154.00 μg/g DW. These findings lay the groundwork for understanding heterotrophic microalgal production of Se-containing nutraceuticals, offering valuable insights into Se tolerance, growth dynamics, and metabolic responses in Chlorella vulgaris K-01.

Azolla for Water and Land Phytoremediation Against Heavy Metals: A Mini Review

The progressive growth in various industries is followed by products in the form of waste – among them are heavy metal waste such as Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, Zn, and Cu. The substances are often found in the form of pesticide, heavy metal, and radioactive remains, which can degrade water and land through industrial waste discharge. Wastewater management to meet the quality standard as detailed in the Decree of the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Forestry – Republic of Indonesia prior to discharge is a must. Azolla can eradicate heavy metal pollutants thanks to its heavy metal hyperaccumulating ability, allowing it to decontaminate industrial waste, water reservoir, and any water bodies. While Azolla sp. fits for absorbing aforementioned non-essential heavy metal, its employment for controlling iron (Fe) as an essential substance is proven beneficial. In newlyopened rice fields where Fe poisoning frequently occurs due to oxidation-reduction process, rice growth and production is badly affected – applying azolla should not only bioremediate field water, but also contribute organic biomass as well as supply nitrogen while, at the same time, serve as antibiotics to support good rice yield.

Retraction: Quantifying the effects of co-composting organic biomass mixtures with inorganic amendments to obtain value-added bio-products.

Retraction: Quantifying the effects of co-composting organic biomass mixtures with inorganic amendments to obtain value-added bio-products.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПРОЦЕССА ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ БИОГАЗА В МЕТАНТЕНКЕ С БИОФИЛЬТРОМ

The main essence of the theoretical research methodology is based on the construction of a mathematical model of the accumulation of active biomass (methane-forming microorganisms) on biofilter carriers, which characterizes the intensity of biogas formation in a methane tank. With existing technologies, the concentration of active biomass is removed from the methane tank with unloaded processed raw materials. Therefore, when studying the kinetics of microbiological processes of biogas formation, the main attention was paid to the theoretical study of the processing of organic biomass, depending on the effectiveness of the biofilter in the methane tank. The article presents the technological scheme and technical characteristics of a methane tank with a biofilter. The results of theoretical studies present the mathematical model of intensification of the biogas formation process obtained by us, depending on the accumulation of active biomass of methane-forming microorganisms on the carriers of a spherical biofilter and its energy characteristics.