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Ravi R, de Souza MF, Adriaens A, Vingerhoets R, Luo H, Van Dael M, Meers E. Exploring the environmental consequences of roadside grass as a biogas feedstock in Northwest Europe. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118538. [PMID: 37406494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The Russo-Ukrainian war has highlighted concerns regarding the European Union's (EU) energy security, given its heavy dependence on Russian natural gas for electricity and heating. The RePowerEU initiative addresses this challenge by targeting a significant increase in biomethane production (up to 35 billion m3 by 2030) to replace natural gas, aligning with the EU methane strategy's emission reduction and air quality improvement goals. However, the use of energy crops as biogas feedstock has raised land-use concerns, necessitating a policy shift towards alternative sources such as agro-residues, livestock manure, and sewage sludge. This study investigates the environmental impacts of using roadside grass clippings (RG) as an alternative feedstock for biogas production, focusing on selected regions in Northwest Europe (Belgium, Netherlands). The aim is to evaluate the environmental performance of RG as a mono- or co-substrate for biogas production, comparing it to the current practice of composting. Additionally, the study assesses the environmental impacts associated with biogas end-use in these regions. The results indicate that co-digestion of RG with pig manure offers a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to mono-digestion of RG or the existing composting practice. This finding is primarily attributed to the avoided emissions resulting from conventional pig manure management. Furthermore, in terms of climate change impacts concerning biogas end-use, the study identifies that combined heat and power (CHP) systems are preferable to biomethane recovery in regions with a natural gas-based electricity mix. However, for reducing fossil resource use, biomethane recovery emerges as the preferred option. By providing insights into the environmental performance of RG as a biogas feedstock and evaluating the impacts of different biogas end-use options, this study offers insights to policymakers for the development of sustainable energy strategies in Northwest Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Ravi
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium.
| | - Marcella Fernandes de Souza
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Anne Adriaens
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Ruben Vingerhoets
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Hongzhen Luo
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Miet Van Dael
- Unit Separation and Conversion Processes, VITO, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Environmental Economics Research Group, Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), UHasselt, Agoralaan, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Erik Meers
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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Leca E, Zennaro B, Hamelin J, Carrère H, Sambusiti C. Use of additives to improve collective biogas plant performances: A comprehensive review. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 65:108129. [PMID: 36933869 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, anaerobic digestion (AD) is being increasingly encouraged to increase the production of biogas and thus of biomethane. Due to the high diversity among feedstocks used, the variability of operating parameters and the size of collective biogas plants, different incidents and limitations may occur (e.g., inhibitions, foaming, complex rheology). To improve performance and overcome these limitations, several additives can be used. This literature review aims to summarize the effects of the addition of various additives in co-digestion continuous or semi-continuous reactors to fit as much as possible with collective biogas plant challenges. The addition of (i) microbial strains or consortia, (ii) enzymes and (iii) inorganic additives (trace elements, carbon-based materials) in digester is analyzed and discussed. Several challenges associated with the use of additives for AD process at collective biogas plant scale requiring further research work are highlighted: elucidation of mechanisms, dosage and combination of additives, environmental assessment, economic feasibility, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Leca
- TotalEnergies, CSTJF, Centre Scientifique et Technique Jean Féger, Av. Larribau, 64000 Pau, France
| | - Bastien Zennaro
- INRAE Transfert, 60 Rue Nicolas Leblanc, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Jérôme Hamelin
- INRAE, Univ Montpellier, LBE, 102 Avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Hélène Carrère
- INRAE, Univ Montpellier, LBE, 102 Avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - Cecilia Sambusiti
- TotalEnergies, CSTJF, Centre Scientifique et Technique Jean Féger, Av. Larribau, 64000 Pau, France.
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Guilayn F, Jimenez J, Martel JL, Rouez M, Crest M, Patureau D. First fertilizing-value typology of digestates: A decision-making tool for regulation. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 86:67-79. [PMID: 30902241 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Defined as the residue from anaerobic digestion (AD), digestate refers to a set of materials with varied biochemical compositions. The objective of this study was to establish a digestate typology according to its fertilizing-value with data from literature and internal unpublished databases. To establish a relatively big database allowing the application of advanced statistics, usual fertilizing-value parameters were used: dry matter, volatile solids, C/N, C/Organic-N, total N (TN), total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), TAN/TN, total P and total K. Statistical analysis was performed on a dataset of 91 raw digestates, 34 solid fractions and 25 liquid fractions after separation. The resulting typology outlined that fertilizing-values are linked to AD feedstock and process. As case study regulations, no digestate (without any post-treatment) fulfilled French standards and the latest European Union regulation proposal on fertilizers. Options to reach regulations' product categories were discussed according to the typology. For the first time, a digestate typology was established based on fertilizing value, which can be a useful tool enhancing digestate management and policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guilayn
- LBE, INRA, Univ Montpellier, 102 avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France; SUEZ, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France.
| | - J Jimenez
- LBE, INRA, Univ Montpellier, 102 avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - J-L Martel
- BIOTVAL, 24 rue Péron 78290, Croissy sur Seine, France
| | - M Rouez
- SUEZ, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France
| | - M Crest
- SUEZ, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France
| | - D Patureau
- LBE, INRA, Univ Montpellier, 102 avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
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Guilayn F, Jimenez J, Rouez M, Crest M, Patureau D. Digestate mechanical separation: Efficiency profiles based on anaerobic digestion feedstock and equipment choice. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 274:180-189. [PMID: 30504101 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.11.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Digestate mechanical separation is present in numerous anaerobic digestion plants. In this study, data from literature and from unpublished analysis were gathered to evaluate digestate separation efficiency for different mechanical separators. For the first time, efficiency indicators allowed the definition of two mass distribution profiles. The low-performance profile was characterized by each component being mainly destined to the liquid fraction, excluding P, Mg and Ca in a few cases. Screw presses represented 68% of these separators and 78% of digestates came from mainly fibrous inputs such as cow manure and silage. In the high-performance profile, digestate compounds were effectively concentrated in the solid fraction, except nitrogen. The great majority of separators were decanting centrifuges, and the anaerobic digestion inputs were principally non-fibrous such as pig slurry, sludge and agro-industrial waste. This study represents a source for benchmarking digestate separation and opens a possibility to forecast more realistically digestate separation performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guilayn
- LBE, INRA, Univ Montpellier, 102 avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France; Suez, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France.
| | - J Jimenez
- LBE, INRA, Univ Montpellier, 102 avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
| | - M Rouez
- Suez, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France
| | - M Crest
- Suez, CIRSEE, 38 rue du Président Wilson, 78230 Le Pecq, France
| | - D Patureau
- LBE, INRA, Univ Montpellier, 102 avenue des Etangs, 11100 Narbonne, France
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Greggio N, Carlini C, Contin A, Soldano M, Marazza D. Exploitable fish waste and stranded beach debris in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 78:566-575. [PMID: 32559946 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Within Circular Economy principles, this paper analyses and estimates exploitable marine residues, such as fish waste and stranded debris in beaches and their potential valorisation scenarios. The Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) has been chosen as a case study. Based on the sold fish, about 200 Mg/year of fish waste are produced at the five major fish markets of the Region. Including all regional fish processing plants and retail trade, the estimated availability of fish waste increases up to 30,000 Mg/year. Stranded beach debris collected by mechanical cleaning operations are currently deposited in landfill. About 63,000 Mg/year of sieved debris are collected each year, out of which the recoverable fractions consist of 19,000 Mg/year of organic material, 8,000 Mg/year of shells and 5,200 Mg/year of stones. Classification and valorisation routes for these residual biomasses are proposed and their applicability to other regions discussed. In order to investigate the possible use in anaerobic digestion plants and the effects on biogas production, Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) assays have been carried out with fish waste samples and with organic material found in marine debris. Salt content in driftwood has been quantified to assess its potential use in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants. Proposed valorisation routes for shells and stones include the production of calcium carbonate (cement industry, wastewater treatment and mulching) and the application in building industry, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Greggio
- CIRSA Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Carlotta Carlini
- CIRSA Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Andrea Contin
- CIRSA Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy; Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Viale B. Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mariangela Soldano
- CRPA Lab Centro Ricerche Produzioni Animali S.p.A., Viale Timavo 43/2, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Diego Marazza
- CIRSA Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy; Department of Physics, University of Bologna, Viale B. Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy
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Piątek M, Lisowski A, Lisowska B. Application of titration methods for measuring the contents of ammonium nitrogen and volatile fatty acids in agricultural biogas plants. J Biotechnol 2017; 264:38-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Míchal P, Švehla P, Plachý V, Tlustoš P. Anaerobic digestion of grass: the effect of temperature applied during the storage of substrate on the methane production. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2017; 38:1716-1724. [PMID: 27666828 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2016.1241305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Within this research, biogas production, representation of methane in biogas and volatile solids (VSs) removal efficiency were compared using batch tests performed with the samples of intensively and extensively planted grasses originating from public areas. Before the batch tests, the samples were stored at different temperatures achievable on biogas plants applying trigeneration strategy (-18°C, +3°C, +18°C and +35°C). Specific methane production from intensively planted grasses was relatively high (0.33-0.41 m3/kg VS) compared to extensively planted grasses (0.20-0.33 m3/kg VS). VSs removal efficiency reached 59.8-68.8% for intensively planted grasses and 34.6-56.5% for extensively planted grasses. Freezing the intensively planted grasses at -18°C proved to be an effective thermal pretreatment leading to high biogas production (0.61 m3/kg total solid (TS)), high representation of methane (64.0%) in biogas and good VSs removal efficiency (68.8%). The results of this research suggest that public areas or sport parks seem to be available, cheap and at the same time very effective feedstock for biogas production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Míchal
- a Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague - Suchdol , Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Švehla
- a Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague - Suchdol , Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Plachý
- b Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietics, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague - Suchdol , Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Tlustoš
- a Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague - Suchdol , Czech Republic
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8
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Van Poucke R, Nachenius RW, Agbo KE, Hensgen F, Bühle L, Wachendorf M, Ok YS, Tack FMG, Prins W, Ronsse F, Meers E. Mild hydrothermal conditioning prior to torrefaction and slow pyrolysis of low-value biomass. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2016; 217:104-112. [PMID: 26976062 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to establish whether hydrothermal conditioning and subsequent thermochemical processing via batch torrefaction or slow pyrolysis may improve the fuel quality of grass residues. A comparison in terms of fuel quality was made of the direct thermochemical processing of the feedstock versus hydrothermal conditioning as a pretreatment prior to thermochemical processing. Hydrothermal conditioning reduced ash content, and particularly nitrogen, potassium and chlorine contents in the biomass. The removal of volatile organic matter associated with thermochemical processes can increase the HHV to levels of volatile bituminous coal. However, slow pyrolysis only increased the HHV of biomass provided a low ash content (<6%) feedstock was used. In conclusion, hydrothermal conditioning can have a highly positive influence on the efficiency of thermochemical processes for upgrading low-value (high-ash) biomass to a higher quality fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Van Poucke
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - R W Nachenius
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Laboratory for Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - K E Agbo
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - F Hensgen
- Kassel University, Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Kassel University, Steinstrasse 19, Witzenhausen, 37213 Kassel, Germany
| | - L Bühle
- Kassel University, Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Kassel University, Steinstrasse 19, Witzenhausen, 37213 Kassel, Germany
| | - M Wachendorf
- Kassel University, Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Kassel University, Steinstrasse 19, Witzenhausen, 37213 Kassel, Germany
| | - Y S Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - F M G Tack
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - W Prins
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Laboratory for Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - F Ronsse
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Laboratory for Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - E Meers
- Ghent University, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Applied Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Coupure Links 653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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Piepenschneider M, De Moor S, Hensgen F, Meers E, Wachendorf M. Element concentrations in urban grass cuttings from roadside verges in the face of energy recovery. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:7808-7820. [PMID: 25801367 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3881-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Grass from municipal roadside verges is a potential yet largely unused resource for bioenergy recovery, which is mainly due to its unknown elemental composition. Therefore, we measured the concentration of 16 elements (Ca, K, Mg, N, Na, P, S, Al, Cd, Cl, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Si and Zn) in a material from the city of Kassel harvested in different management intensities. The element concentrations were mainly close to reference values of agricultural or nature conservation grassland and usually within the range of literature data. Concentrations of most elements, including heavy metals, were below limiting values. Only N and Cl concentrations in the raw material exceeded the limiting values for combustion, but washing and dewatering of the biomass with the "integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass" technique resulted in concentrations in the press cake well below the limiting values. Considering the element concentrations of grass from urban roadside verges, utilisation for energy recovery may be possible, provided an appropriate technology is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Piepenschneider
- Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Kassel University, Steinstrasse 19, Witzenhausen, 37213, Kassel, Germany,
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Dandikas V, Heuwinkel H, Lichti F, Drewes JE, Koch K. Correlation between biogas yield and chemical composition of energy crops. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2014; 174:316-20. [PMID: 25443623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The scope of this study was to investigate the influence of the chemical composition of energy crops on biogas and methane yield. In total, 41 different plants were analyzed in batch test and their chemical composition was determined. For acid detergent lignin (ADL) content below 10% of total solids, a significant negative correlation for biogas and methane yields (r≈-0.90) was observed. Based on a simple regression analysis, more than 80% of the sample variation can be explained through ADL. Based on a principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis, ADL and hemicellulose are suggested as suitable model variables for biogas yield potential predictions across plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Dandikas
- Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Animal Husbandry, Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Am Staudengarten 3, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - H Heuwinkel
- Department of Agriculture and Food Economy, Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Am Hofgarten 1, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - F Lichti
- Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Animal Husbandry, Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Am Staudengarten 3, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - J E Drewes
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 8, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - K Koch
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 8, 85748 Garching, Germany
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Purser BJJ, Thai SM, Fritz T, Esteves SR, Dinsdale RM, Guwy AJ. An improved titration model reducing over estimation of total volatile fatty acids in anaerobic digestion of energy crop, animal slurry and food waste. WATER RESEARCH 2014; 61:162-170. [PMID: 24911562 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Titration methodologies have been used for the many years for low cost routine monitoring of full scale anaerobic digestion plants. These methodologies have been correlated to indicate the carbonate alkalinity and the volatile fatty acids (VFA) content within digesters. Two commonly used two end-point titration methods were compared using a dataset of 154 samples from energy crop and animal slurry digestates and were shown to be inaccurate in the estimation of tVFA. Using this dataset correlated with HPLC VFA analysis, two empirical bivariate linear regression equations were derived, where the validation dataset showed an absolute tVFA mean error improvement from ±3386 and ±3324 mg kg(-1) tVFA to ±410 and ±286 mg kg(-1) tVFA, respectively. The same equation was then applied to a food waste dataset where an absolute tVFA mean error was improved from ±3828 to ±576 mg kg(-1) tVFA. The newly derived titration equations can provide greater confidence in digester performance monitoring and are tools that can improve digester management.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Jobling Purser
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.
| | - S-M Thai
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - T Fritz
- ISF GmbH (Schaumann Research & Development), An der Mühlenau 4, D-25421 Pinneberg, Germany
| | - S R Esteves
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - R M Dinsdale
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - A J Guwy
- Sustainable Environment Research Centre, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
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