Biogas production from reed biomass: Effect of pretreatment using different steam explosion conditions. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lizasoain, Javier; Rincón, María; Theuretzbacher, Franz; Enguídanos, Ramón; Nielsen, Paal J.; Potthast, Antje; Zweckmair, Thomas; Gronauer, Andreas; Bauer, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Biomass and bioenergy. Volume 95(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Methane -- Phragmites australis -- Lignocellulose -- Anaerobic digestion -- Biofuel; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Biomass -- Periodicals; Energy-Generating Resources -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; 333.9539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.09.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-9534

Abstract

Abstract: Biogas production often competes with food and feed production for the raw materials and cropland required for cultivation. Common reed offers an alternative source of biomass for biogas production, alleviating this conflict. Effective microbiological conversion of this type of lignocellulosic biomass requires a pretreatment process. This study aims to determine the specific methane yields of steam-exploded reed as well as to identify how pretreatment conditions influence its physico-chemical characteristics. For this purpose, reed was pretreated with steam explosion at severity factors ranging from 2.47 to 4.83. The effects on methane yields were analyzed in batch experiments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were captured and detailed chemical analyses of the substrates carried out. Results show that the digestibility of reed biomass improved remarkably after pretreatment. Compared to the untreated sample, steam explosion increased the specific methane yield up to 89% after pretreatment at 200 °C for 15 min. However, methane yield decreased under harsher conditions, which may be due to the formation of degradation compounds during the pretreatment. Abstract : Pretreatment of reed using steam explosion at different severities. Pretreatment effect was evaluated through SEM, chemical analysis and methane potential. High disruption in the biomass and improvements in its digestibility were observed. Remarkable hemicellulose reduction and slight lignin increment was detected. The methane yield increased 89% after pretreating at 200 °C for 15 min (SF 4.71).