Adopting Biochar as Immobilization Support for Hyper Ammonia Producing Bacteria Proliferation

The many uses of biochar extend to microbial enhancement in fermentation processes because it acts as a catalyst and a support medium. This study explores how varying biochar properties specifically concentration, temperature, and particle size affect the growth of hyper-ammonia-producing bacteria (HAB), using commercially sourced pine wood-derived biochar. Fermentation experiments were conducted using enriched rumen fluid under controlled conditions to monitor bacterial growth via optical density (OD600) over a 48-hour period. Our results showed that microbial proliferation was significantly influenced by all three parameters. The optimal growth was observed at 0.15% biochar concentration, a temperature of 45°C, and a particle size of 250 µm. While lower concentrations and smaller particles promoted microbial adhesion and colonization, higher levels appeared to hinder growth, likely due to surface saturation and reduced pore accessibility. SEM imaging supported these findings by revealing structural changes on the biochar surface at different concentrations, highlighting its role in microbial distribution. Regression analysis confirmed a strong correlation between biochar parameters and microbial activity, although no single variable stood out statistically due to likely multicollinearity and sample limitations. These findings suggest tuning biochar properties for optimal microbial processing, taking into consideration environmental factors and using additional imaging techniques to better understand HAB- biochar interactions.