Motivating Methanogens - Exploring the Impact of Geometry on Anaerobic Digestion

Overview

Anaerobic Digestion is a process for breaking down organics in an oxygen-free environment. A by-product of this digestion is biogas; a methane-rich gas that can be used for energy production. Biogas consists mostly of CH4 (Methane), CO2 and H2S. The methane in biogas is created by microorganisms known as methanogens. Methane is 28 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas. However, while methane lingers in the atmosphere for 12 years, CO2 can persist for thousands. Therefore, reducing the amount of biogas being released into the atmosphere can have a large impact on climate change in the next few decades. My project focuses on increasing the efficiency of anaerobic digestion using geometry; as producing more methane and less carbon dioxide may incentivize small farms to invest in biogas capture systems. These systems are currently out of reach due to the tight financial margins of biogas production and CO2 scrubbing.

Awards (3)

• Challenge Award
• Bronze Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Energy

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