Support and adsorbent materials for anaerobic digestion: enhancing process stability and nutrient control

Authors

Liz Escandón
Faculty of Life Sciences, Biotechnology Engineering Program, Amazon Regional University Ikiam
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0342-1925
Rocío Cecibel Jiménez-Paute
Biomass to Resources, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja. Universidad Regional Amazónica, Ikiam. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5335-8987
Jaime Martí-Herrero
CIMNE, UNED-CIEMAT, Universidad Regional Amazónica, Ikiam. Universidad de La Laguna
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5020-1896

Synopsis

Anaerobic digestion is a technology applied to wastewater treatment and the production of biogas as a renewable energy source. However, it exhibits limitations in the removal of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to eutrophication. Various support materials have been evaluated for their capacity to stabilize the process, enhance biogas production, and facilitate nutrient adsorption. This literature review analyzed the characteristics, mechanisms of action, efficiency, environmental impact, and economic feasibility of different materials applied in anaerobic digesters. The findings indicate that dual-function materials, those providing microbial support and adsorptive capacity, such as biochar and zeolite, achieve superior overall performance. In conclusion, material selection should consider technical efficiency, the target nutrient to be removed, and local availability, with biochar and zeolite emerging as promising options to optimize anaerobic digestion in sustainable contexts such as Ecuador.

Published

April 3, 2026

How to Cite

Support and adsorbent materials for anaerobic digestion: enhancing process stability and nutrient control. (2026). In III International Congress of Biotechnology and Neotropical Ecosystems (p. bbfs.e15). Editorial Unión Científica. https://doi.org/10.63804/CIBEN.25.bbfs.e15