Sugarcane scum as a novel substrate for rapid biogas production from the non-centrifugal cane sugar agribusiness sector in developing countries

Mendieta O.; Madrigal G.; Castro L.; Rodríguez J.; Escalante H. · Bioresource Technology (2020) · DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.122364

Resumen

Sugarcane scum (SCS) is a waste from the non-centrifugal cane sugar making process. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, it has a high-energy potential to produce biomethane via anaerobic digestion (AD). However, (i) the total solids concentration in the SCS exceeds the limit for wet digestion and (ii) the SCS has a low pH. The aim of this research was to evaluate the utilization capacity of the SCS for methane production through a biochemical methane potential test and extent of disintegration, using dilution pretreatment. The highest methane yield, 0.227 N m3 CH4 kg−1 VS, was achieved at a 12.5% SCS dilution, with an organic matter removal greater than 70% and an extent of disintegration of 34.5%. This is evidence that the AD process is a feasible alternative for SCS treatment.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Unión