Biological desulfurization of biogas: A comprehensive review on sulfide microbial metabolism and treatment biotechnologies

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) removal from biogas is of high relevance as it damages combustion engines used for heat and power generation and causes adverse public health and environmental effects. Biological processes have been reported as a cost-effective and promising approach to desulfurize biogas. This review presents a detailed description of the bio-chemical foundations of the metabolic apparatus of H2S oxidizing bacteria, namely chemolithoautotrophs and anoxygenic photoautotrophs. The review focuses on the current and future applications of biological processes for bio-gas desulfurization and provides insights into their mechanism and main factors influencing their performance. The advantages, drawbacks, limitations, and technical improvements of the biotechnological applications currently based on chemolithoautotrophic organisms are covered extensively. Recent advances, sustainability and economical aspects of biological biogas desulfurization are also discussed. Anoxygenic photoautotrophic-bacteria-based photobioreactors were herein identified as useful tools to improve the sustainability and safety of biological biogas de-sulfurization. The review addresses gaps in the existing studies concerning the selection of the most suitable desulfur-ization techniques, their benefits and consequences. The research is useful for all stakeholders involved in the management and optimization of biogas and its findings are directly applicable in the development of new sustainable technologies for biogas upgrading processes on waste treatment plants.

Automated summary

Biological processes are a cost-effective and promising approach for biogas desulfurization. This review focuses on the metabolic apparatus and mechanisms of H2S oxidizing bacteria, as well as the current and future applications of biological processes. It also discusses the advantages, limitations, and improvements of using chemolithoautotrophic organisms, and identifies anoxygenic photoautotrophic-bacteria-based photobioreactors as a useful tool for improving sustainability and safety.