Enhanced methane production from Taihu Lake blue algae by anaerobic co-digestion with corn straw in continuous feed digesters

► Methane production from Taihu algae succeeded with continuous reactors. ► Ammonia from algae decay inhibited mainly acetate and propionate degradation. ► Co-digestion of algae with corn straw enhanced methane productivity and VS removal. ► Optimal C/N ratio of 20:1 (g/g) was found. ► Rate limiting step is not hydrolysis but acetate and propionate degradation.