Influence of a vinasse-distributing lake on water quality of the groundwater

Abstract

Vinasse is an organic matter and nutrient-rich residue generated during alcohol distillation. However, if applied to crops in excess, it may disturb the complex balance of soil absoption and contaminate groundwater. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of a vinasse-distributing pool on the quality of groundwater in a sugarcane field in Pernambuco State, Brazil. Samples were collected from 10 observation wells along three parallel transects around the vinasse-distributing pool. The quality of groundwater as well as the fluvial water of the Ipojuca River was assessed as a control for ocean intrusion. The following parameters were measured: CE, SDT, pH, COD, BOD, NO

Designing full-scale biodigestion plants for the treatment of vinasse in sugarcane biorefineries: How phase separation and alkalinization impact biogas and electricity production costs?

“…Although Na + concentrations in sugarcane vinasse are relatively low (50-325 mg L −1 -; Lyra et al, 2003;Mariano et al, 2009;Ferreira et al, 2011;Rolim et al, 2013) compared to other ions, e.g., potassium (1200-4600 mg L −1 -; Prada et al, 1998) and sulfates (600-3730 mg L −1 -; Ferreira et al, 2011;Prada et al, 1998), the inputs of Na + ions could result in concentrations of approximately 1800-3400 mg L −1 when using NaHCO 3 as the alkalizing compound. These values are at least 2.4-to 5.8-fold higher than the concentrations of calcium (460-740 mg L −1 ) and magnesium (210-310 mg L −1 ) commonly measured in sug-arcane vinasse (Lyra et al, 2003;Mariano et al, 2009;Ferreira et al, 2011;Rolim et al, 2013), in order to increase the risks of soil sodification. Conversely, the use of NaOH in the considered dosage (4 g g −1 COD-vinasse-Table 2) would only slightly increase Na + levels in vinasse (51.3-65.1 mg L −1 , depending on the application of phase separation), most likely leading to null risks of soil sodification when applying the biodigested vinasse into soils.…”

Identification of stable fly attractant compounds in vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane–ethanol distillation

“…4A, B. Rolim et al, 2013). Generally, its composition consists of 93% water and 7% of both organic and inorganic compounds (Rolim et al, 2013); however, its precise content depends on the distillation process applied by the particular distillery.…”

“…Rolim et al, 2013). Generally, its composition consists of 93% water and 7% of both organic and inorganic compounds (Rolim et al, 2013); however, its precise content depends on the distillation process applied by the particular distillery. Chemical analyses of vinasse collected from two states revealed different VOC profiles, although both elicited electrophysiological responses in stable fly antennae.…”

“…The abundance of stable flies has been associated with the application of vinasse and filter cake in sugarcane fields (Prado et al, 2013). These byproducts of the sugarcane industry are composed of both inorganic and organic compounds, are rich in nutrients, and are applied in large quantities via irrigation (Rolim et al, 2013). The use of vinasse in irrigation has almost completely replaced the use of chemical fertilizers in Brazil and is considered to be a more cost-effective investment.…”

Biofuels in sub-Sahara Africa: Drivers, impacts and priority policy areas

“…DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, and endrin), resulted in some cases to concentration levels exceeding the EU limit requirements for drinking water, being thus a potential risk to humans and cattle if untreated [110]. Finally, vinasse (the final by-product of ethanol production) has been shown to have negative impacts on water quality if released untreated [106,247,248].…”