Investigation of the biogas production potential from algal wastes

Abstract

In recent years, researchers focused their attention on biogas production more than ever to meet the energy demand. Especially, biogas obtained from algal wastes has become a trending research area owing to the high content of volatile solids in algae. The main purpose of this study is to determine the biogas production potential from algal wastes and examine the effect of temperature and particle size parameters on biogas yield. A comparison was made between the biogas production potential of microalgal wastes, obtained after oil extraction, and macroalgal wastes collected from coastal areas. It was found that algal biogas yield is directly proportional to temperature and inversely proportional to particle size. Optimal conditions for biogas production from algal wastes were determined as the temperature of 55 °C, a particle size of 200 μm, a residence time of 30 days and an alga–inoculum ratio of 1:4 (w:w). Highest biogas yield obtained under these conditions was found as 342.59 cm3 CH4 g−1 VS with Ulva lactuca. Under thermophilic conditions, both micro- and macroalgal biogas yields were comparable. It can be concluded that algal biomass is a good source for biogas production, although further research is needed to increase biogas yield and quality.

Feasibility Assessment of a Bioethanol Plant in the Northern Netherlands

“…The dry weight mainly consists of cellulose, namely 35-50%, a further 20-35% of hemicellulose, and around 10-25% of lignin [29]. Lignocellulosic waste can come from several sources, namely industrial waste (e.g., recycled newspaper, food industry residues, sawdust), agricultural waste (e.g., bagasse, rice straw, corn stover), forestry waste (e.g., wood chips, grasses, hard and softwood), bioenergy crops (e.g., common reeds, switchgrass), and municipal solid waste [30][31][32]. The lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into bioethanol via a biochemical pathway.…”

Ulva lactuca, A Source of Troubles and Potential Riches

“…Higher biogas yields from Ulva biorefinery facilities yielded up to 271 mL CH 4 /kg volatile solids (VS) in the range of methane production from cattle manure and crop land-based energies [41]. Enhanced bio methane production was observed in pretreated biomass and also in co-digestion processes [55].…”

Effect of Temperature and Organic Load on the Performance of Anaerobic Bioreactors Treating Grasses

“…The multiple utilization of biogas for heat and electricity generation or vehicle fuel (upgrade biogas) can support the drive for its application [19][20][21]. It is also obvious that the AD antagonism will be affected by the use of other energy sources (e.g., wind, nuclear, shale oil/gas) [22][23][24][25][26].…”