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The steady state anaerobic digestion of Laminaria hyperborea – Effect of hydraulic residence on biogas production and bacterial community composition

Lookup NU author(s): Jamie Hinks, Stephen Edwards, Dr Paul Sallis, Dr Gary Caldwell

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Abstract

Methane production by anaerobic digestion (AD) of macroalgae (seaweed) is a promising algal bioenergy option. Work presented here is primarily based on the AD of Laminaria hyperborea using batch and continuously stirred tank reactors. Extrapolation of data from batch studies to long term continuous reactors was unreliable. A conservative organic loading rate (OLR) of 1 g L^-1 d^-1 was used due to difficulties experienced in achieving steady state performance at an OLR of 1.5 g L^-1 d^-1. Biogas composition and methane yields (60–70%) were near to values expected from terrestrial feedstocks. Biomass washout, as imposed by the dilution rate (i.e. hydraulic residence), had considerable bearing on the biogas generation profile, particularly at >3 hydraulic residences. Inhibition of methanogen growth was linked to nutrient deficiency and potentially antimicrobial compounds associated with the feedstock. Anaerobic digestion of L. hyperborea proved feasible over extended operational periods.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Hinks J, Edwards S, Sallis PJ, Caldwell GS

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Bioresource Technology

Year: 2013

Volume: 143

Pages: 221-230

Print publication date: 05/06/2013

ISSN (print): 0960-8524

ISSN (electronic): 1873-2976

Publisher: Elsevier BV

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.05.124

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2013.05.124

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