Influence of cellulose sponge biocarrier media on methane production and effluent quality in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket systems treating landfill leachate

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Author list: Boonnorat, J.; Techakaew, S.; Sakda, W.; Muangtirak, A.; Pinpatthanapong, K.; Rangseesuriyachai, T.; Poonsri, W.; Phalakornkule, C.; Panichnumsin, P.; Puengpraput, T.; Varongchayakul, S.; Tachapermpon, Y.; Dolphen, R.; Phattarapattamawong, S.

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication year: 2026

Journal: Biomass & Bioenergy (0961-9534)

Volume number: 209

Start page: 108940

ISSN: 0961-9534

eISSN: 1873-2909

URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105026655603&doi=10.1016%2Fj.biombioe.2026.108940&partnerID=40&md5=5caf7ab6173e0c05c1cd245e35c1e285

Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of cellulose sponge media as biocarriers on methane (CH4) production in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors treating fresh landfill leachate. UASB I was operated with anaerobically acclimatized sludge supplemented with propionate-cultured sludge, while UASB II contained the same inoculum augmented with 20 % (v/v) cellulose sponge media. Luffa-based cellulose sponges, derived from agricultural waste, are environmentally benign and serve as low-cost biofilm carriers. Experiments were conducted under four organic loading rate (OLR) conditions: 66.96, 47.01, 27.07, and 6.78 gCOD/L d. Results showed a positive correlation between OLR and CH4 production, with maximum CH4 yields of 17,185 mL/d in UASB I and 28,917 mL/d in UASB II at the highest OLR (66.96 gCOD/L d). Incorporation of cellulose sponge media enhanced microbial attachment and diversity, thereby improving methanogenic activity and overall CH4 recovery. These findings demonstrate that plant-based biofilm carriers such as luffa-derived cellulose sponges can improve UASB performance in treating landfill leachate. The study highlights the valorization of agricultural waste-derived materials for sustainable biogas production and effluent quality improvement. The novelty of this study lies in the application of cellulose sponge in the anaerobic treatment of high-strength landfill leachate. This study specifically examined the potential of luffa-derived cellulose sponge as a biofilm carrier under anaerobic conditions, with the dual objectives of enhancing biogas production and improving effluent quality. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd

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