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Български 
- Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Within the framework of the project “Innovative Solutions for Obtaining Energy and Products through the Utilization of Biodegradable Waste” (KP-06-IP-China 4/16.12.2024), scientists and young researchers from the Faculty of Biology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” conducted a series of experimental studies aimed at developing sustainable technologies for producing renewable energy from biodegradable waste.
The study was carried out within the framework of the Clean & Circle Centre of Competence, with the participation of lecturers, assistants, young scientists, doctoral students, master’s students, and bachelor’s students. The project leader is Assoc. Prof. Irina Schneider. The project is implemented by an experienced multidisciplinary team that also includes several young researchers.
The main objective of the experiment is to investigate the influence of different cold plasma sources on the process of anaerobic biodegradation of biodegradable waste and on the production of methane—a valuable renewable energy resource.
Mixtures of plant and food waste, as well as excess sludge from the Kubratovo Wastewater Treatment Plant, were used as raw materials. The process took place under mesophilic conditions over a period of 15 days, and the studies were conducted using the AMPTS II system with 15 laboratory bioreactors.
In addition to the amount of methane produced, the team also monitored a number of indicators that reveal how microbial communities function during the degradation of organic matter. The biomethane potential (BMP), which indicates the ability of waste to generate methane, was determined, as was the FOS/TAC ratio—an important indicator of the stability of the anaerobic process.
Modern methods were also used to study the metabolic activity of microorganisms. The autofluorescence of coenzyme F420 was used to track the activity of methane-producing microorganisms, while the presence of polyphosphate granules provides information about the physiological state of microbial cells and points toward the recovery of resources—phosphates and struvite—at the end of the methanogenic process.
The metabolic profile of the microbial communities was analyzed using the Biolog OmniLog system, which makes it possible to assess the ability of microorganisms to utilize different nutrient sources. In addition, metagenomic analysis was performed, revealing the diversity and structure of the microbial communities involved in the processes of degradation and biogas formation.
A particularly valuable aspect of the experiment is the active participation of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, who work together with lecturers, assistants, and young researchers. In this way, scientific activity also becomes an environment for training, acquiring practical skills, and preparing the next generation of scientists.
The results obtained will be published in scientific articles and will contribute to the development of innovative solutions for the sustainable management of biodegradable waste and the production of clean energy. The study is an example of how science, education, and innovation can work together for the benefit of the circular economy and a sustainable future.
