Co-digestion of biofuel by-products: Enhanced biofilm formation maintains high organic matter removal when methanogenesis fails

Author(s)

Borges, Andre do Vale ; Fuess, Lucas Tadeu ; Takeda, Paula Yumi ; Alves, Inae ; Simoes Dias, Maria Eduarda ; Rissato Zamariolli Damianovic, Marcia Helena

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Environmental Management; v. 310, p. 10-pg., 2022-05-15.

Abstract

Ethanol and biodiesel industries generate large volumes of by-products, such as vinasse and glycerol, which are suitable for biogas exploitation. This paper assessed the applicability and process performance of the anaerobic structured-bed reactor (AnSTBR) for the mesophilic (30 ?) continuous (105 days) anaerobic co-digestion of sugarcane vinasse and distilled glycerol under increasing organic loading rates (OLR) (0.5-5.0 kgCOD m(-3)d(-1)). The highest methane yield (211 NmL g(-1)CODr(em.)) and volumetric production (668 NmL L(-1)d(-1)) occurred at an OLR of 3.5 kgCOD m(-3)d(-1). The performance of the AnSTBR showed high removal efficiencies of total COD (77.1%), carbohydrates (81.9%), and glycerol content (99.7%). Biofilm growth enhancement within the reactor offset the impairment of methanogenesis activity at high organic loads. The prompt biodegradability of glycerol reinforced the importance of gradually increase the organic load to prevent the buildup of volatile acids and maintain a stable long-term co-digestion system. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/06246-7 - Biorefinery concept applied to biological wastewater treatment plants: environmental pollution control coupled with material and energy recovery
• Grantee: Marcelo Zaiat
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants