Abstract

ARIZA CALVO, Dayanis; RINCON RAVELO, Marco; PAZ CADAVID, Carlos Andrés  and  GUTIERREZ-MONTERO, Deivis Jhoan. Biogas production evaluation and reduction of vinasse organic load by anaerobic digestion. Rev. colomb. biotecnol [online]. 2019, vol.21, n.2, pp.118-130.  Epub Jan 20, 2020. ISSN 0123-3475.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rev.colomb.biote.v21n2.79555.

Sugarcane vinasse is a residue derived from the production of fuel alcohol, that has a high dissolved organic load (46%), pH ranging from 3 to 5, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 200 to 300 mg/l. These characteristics make of the vinasse a potential contaminant. Therefore, methods have been sought that contribute to an adequate management of this waste, such as its use to generate energy. In this research, the process of anaerobic digestion of sugarcane vinasse and sludge as inoculant was evaluated based on the global rate of biogas production, methanogenic activity and reduction of organic load. Different concentrations of vinasse and different sources of sludge were tested; WWTP biosolids, vinasse sludge, and sludge from oxidation and cooling lagoon. Biogas production was quantified by technique liquid displacement, was determined the specific methanogenic activity (SMA), removal of COD and total solids were also determined, and isolation of methanogenic microorganisms. It was determined that the concentration of 90% of vinasse with sludge from the oxidation and cooling lagoon produced the highest yield; 674.5 mL of biogas was quantified during 18 days in a work volume of 400 mL and the SMA of 0.2 g DQOCH4 / gSSV.d was calculated. It was demonstrated that the anaerobic digestion it reduces 25.2% of COD and 22.4% of solids, the results of the microbiological analysis allowed to demonstrate the presence of methanogenic microorganisms in the anaerobic biorreactor.

Keywords : anaerobic bioreactor; methanogenic microorganisms; methane; anaerobic treatment; residue.

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