Carbon Monoxide Fate in the Environment as an Inspiration For Biorefinery Industry: A Review

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) is ubiquitous in the environment. In this literature review, the biological CO transformations in ecosystems were summarized as an inspiration for the biorefinery industry. Specifically, for the first time, information about CO fate in soil, water, and the atmosphere was collected, and CO impact on plants, animals, and humans was discussed. The review also addresses the need to develop new solutions to implementing circular bioeconomy and highlights the potential of CO use in biologically mediated processes as an untapped valuable resource. Specific key areas of research were identified as 1) development of water-gas shift (WGS) bioreaction, 2) electricity production during bioelectrochemical syngas conversion (BESs), and 3) electro-fermentation (EF) as a source of added-value biochemicals and fuels.