Enhanced Biogas Production from Anaerobic Codigestion of Lignocellulosic Waste for Efficient Bioenergy Utilization in Heating and Combustion Engine

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignocellulosic agro-waste such as coconut husk fibre, pineapple floret and banana stem was studied using standard protocols. A combination of physical, chemical and biological Pre-treatment was performed to facilitate the anaerobic digestion process. The experiment was carried out using laboratory-scale batch bioreactors maintained at 44.5 ± 2ºC and retention time of 25 days. Biogas production, pH, total and volatile solids concentrations (TS, VS) were also measured. With a general increase in pH after Pre-treatment of all substrates, biogas yield was significantly improved by 83.1% in all codigestion assays when compared to control (untreated substrates) with highest TS and VS removal rates of 77.7% and 87.2% respectively. In terms process performance, Pre-treatment of single substrate did not significantly improve AD of single substrates (coconut husk fibre/pineapple floret) and biogas production was inhibited in pre-treated banana stem. However, the highest biogas production with corresponding TS and VS removal rates of 78.3% and 92.9% respectively were obtained from untreated banana stem. Codigestion significantly enhanced biogas production that can be utilized for heating and knowledge of appropriate Pre-treatment choice is recommended to improve bioenergy production efficiency during anaerobic digestion.

Metagenomic Study of Bacterial and Archaeal Populations during Anaerobic Digestion of Lignocellulosic Waste in Lab-scale Biogas Reactors

“…The major reason being that this fibrous waste (lignocellulosic biomass) is comprised of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, which are notably recalcitrant and difficult to degrade. Thus some labscale AD experiments have concentrated on the pretreatment of lignocellulose-containing waste (to overcome the structural complexity of lignocellulosic biomass) and codigestion with other wastes to enhance enzymatic activity on and enhance the biodegradability of cellulose among other things [3]- [5]. Nonetheless, in-depth knowledge of the microbial community involved during the anaerobic treatment of these lignocellulosic residues remains scarce.…”