| Title: | Anaerobic digestion as a laboratory experiment for undergraduate biochemistry courses |
| Address: | "College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China" |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1539-3429 (Electronic) 1470-8175 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Compared to aerobic catabolism, the theories and experiments of anaerobic catabolism are not covered in depth in biochemistry education curricula. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a feasible method for converting common organic compounds to renewable energy-methane that has drawn a great deal of attention in practical applications. In this study, we designed an AD laboratory experiment for use in undergraduate biochemistry courses to supplement the knowledge of metabolic networks in biochemistry and extend the information presented in biochemistry textbooks. In this laboratory experiment, students explored the methane production performance of wheat straw (WS; a representative and commonly available agricultural waste) and mastered a reasonable method for utilizing this new biochemical reaction to convert organic wastes from renewable resources to methane. Basic experimental procedures, such as a biochemical methane potential (BMP) assay, data analysis, and graphic presentations were organized to provide students with abundant hands-on experience. Furthermore, calculations of significant parameters, such as total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), experimental methane yield (EMY), maximum theoretical methane production (MMP), and biodegradability (B(D) ), were also performed. From this AD experiment, students learned not only a new series of biochemical reactions but also a novel strategy to achieve cleaner methane production from organic wastes, exhibiting a positive impact for students' learning in biochemistry course" |
| Keywords: | Anaerobiosis Biochemistry/*education Curriculum Humans *Laboratories Universities anaerobic digestion biochemistry hands-on learning/manipulatives laboratory experiment; |
| Notes: | "MedlineShen, Jian Chen, Chang eng Talent Training and Teaching Reform Project from Beijing Municipal Education Commission/ 'One Belt, One Road' National Talent Training Project of Beijing, China/ 2018BHDJGY02/Teaching Reform Program in Undergraduate Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology/ xgk2017040117/Teaching Reform Program for 'New Engineering' Research and Practice, Beijing University of Chemical Technology/ Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2020/08/02 Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2021 Jan; 49(1):108-114. doi: 10.1002/bmb.21399. Epub 2020 Aug 1" |
