Long-term H2/CO2 Biomethanation Sustained by Closed Nutrient Cycling and Microbial Community Succession
Jinhe Jiang, Jianfeng Liu, Chengxian Wang, Changmei Wang, Xingling Zhao, Fang Yin, Kai Wu, Bin Yang and Wudi Zhang** Author for corresponding; e-mail address: wootichang@163.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3479-1560
Volume: Vol.53 No.2 (March 2026)
Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12982/CMJS.2026.033
Received: 19 October 2025, Revised: 24 Febuary 2026, Accepted: 28 Febuary 2026, Published: -
Citation: Jiang J., Liu J., Wang C., Wang C., Zhao X., Yin F., et al., Long-term H2/CO2 biomethanation sustained by closed nutrient cycling and microbial community succession. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2026; 53(2): e2026033. DOI 10.12982/CMJS.2026.033.
Graphical Abstract
Abstract
Biological methanation of H₂ and CO₂ is a key technology for renewable energy storage and carbon utilization. However, maintaining long-term process stability without continuous nutrient addition remains a major challenge. This study demonstrates the feasibility of efficient biomethanation for 400 days without any external nutrient input, relying solely on closed nutrient cycling and microbial self-optimization. Under ambient conditions, the process achieved an average methane content of 90.4% and a conversion efficiency of 90%. Microbial community analysis revealed a self-sustaining consortium adapted to nutrient scarcity: hydrogenotrophic methanogens (e.g., Methanoculleus) were enriched alongside acetoclastic Methanosaeta, supported by hydrogen-oxidizing and syntrophic bacteria that likely maintained favorable thermodynamic conditions. These findings validate a robust, nutrient-autotrophic pathway for continuous biomethanation, offering a promising strategy for simplifying operation and reducing costs in future power-to-gas applications.