Assessment of microbial diversity associated with CH4 emission from sugarcane vinasse storage and transportation systems

Author(s)

Oliveira, Bruna G. ^{[1, 2]} ; Mendes, Lucas W. ^[1] ; Smyth, Eoghan M. ^{[3, 4]} ; Tsai, Siu M. ^[1] ; Feigl, Brigitte J. ^[1] ; Mackie, I, Roderick

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Nucl Energy Agr, Av Centenario 303, BR-13416000 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Agron Inst Campinas, Soils & Environm Resources Ctr, Barao Itapura 1481, BR-13001970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[3] I, Univ Illinois, Energy Biosci Inst, 1206 W Gregory Dr, Urbana, IL 61801 - USA

^[4] I, Univ Illinois, Carl R Woese Inst Genom Biol, 1206 W Gregory Dr, Urbana, IL 61801 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Environmental Management; v. 269, SEP 1 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Sugarcane bioethanol has favorable energy and greenhouse gas balance, although the production process generates several residues including vinasse, which deserves attention because of its significant methane (CH4) emission during storage and transportation stages. Considering that CH4 emissions are dependent on the structure and abundance of microbial communities, we hypothesized that different vinasse transportation systems would harbor different microbial community composition, resulting in distinct CH4 patterns. To test this hypothesis, we used high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing with real-time PCR to evaluate the composition and abundance of microorganisms in the two main systems of vinasse storage and transportation (i.e. open channels and tanks systems) in Brazil. Our results showed higher microbial diversity and CH4 emissions in channel system, especially in the uncoated section. Significant differences in microbial community structure, diversity, and abundance between the uncoated/coated open channel and tanks indicated a clear selection at taxonomic and functional levels, especially in relation to CH4 production. These responses included higher methanogens diversity in the uncoated section of the channel and are in agreement with the methanogen abundance determined by mcrA and mba genes copy number (1.5 x 10(7) and 4.3 x 10(10)) and subsequent positive correlation with CH4 emissions (R-2 = 0.8). The most representative methanogen genus across the samples was Methanobrevibacter. The results observed herein shows that the use of the coating in the bottom of channels and tanks prevent the growth and development of a methanogen-related community. We concluded that the improvements in vinasse storage and transportation systems would significantly change the microbial community and reduce CH4 emissions, thereby making bioethanol a greener biofuel. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/05735-6 - Methane emission and functional microbiota associated with sugarcane vinasse in storage and transportation systems
• Grantee: Bruna Gonçalves de Oliveira Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/09377-0 - Characterization of methanogenic microbial community present in different vinasse distribution systems by pyrosequencing technique
• Grantee: Bruna Gonçalves de Oliveira Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/05597-5 - Methane fluxes from different vinasse distribution systems and evaluation of microbial associated community that produces this gas
• Grantee: Brigitte Josefine Feigl
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants