Efektywność biokonwersji odpadów organicznych na biogaz w procesach fermentacji z wykorzystaniem owadów Hermetia illucens

Abstract

Agricultural biogas plants use more and more often waste for energy production. Therefore, the process of anaerobic digestion taking place in biogas installations is suitable, allowing for rational use of organic waste with energy production at the same time. One of the innovative solutions for the production of biogas and afterwards energy is the use of insect larvae Hermetia illucens. The presented research analyzed the possibilities of using selected plant origin waste in the process of agricultural biogas production and in breeding of Hermetia illucens larvae for energy purposes. The scientific problem was formulated in the form of a question: will the use of organic waste in the bioconversion process with the use of Hermetia illucens insects increase the energy and economic efficiency of biogas plants (including the use of by-products), compared to the fermentation of the waste itself? In the research on biogas and methane efficiency, 18 selected organic wastes and Hermetia illucens larvae along with substrates associated with their production and processing: residue after oil extraction, oil, shredded larvae, dried larvae, and larva excrements were used. Based on the obtained data from the research, an innovative technology for the bioconversion of organic waste, including the withdrawal from the sale of food as part of the recovery process was created. In turn on the basis of biogas and methane efficiency of waste as well as larvae and their fractions, an analysis regarding energy efficiency was carried out. At the same time, considering the properties of the obtained digestate, an economic analysis for the five proposed technologies was also performed. The waste used in the research was characterized, among others wide range of fluctuations in total solids, with a volatile total solids content of over 80%, which qualifies them for use in the methane fermentation process. Equally good results were observed for Hermetia illucens and product associated with their production and processing. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the residue after oil extraction was a valuable substrate for agricultural biogas plants. The sale of the obtained oil can give a large additional benefit having an impact on the economic balance of the biogas plant operation. This study was performed in the frame of the IN OIL project: An innovative method for bioconversion of by-products from food processing industry that was financed by the National Centre for Research and Development within the Lider VII Programme No. LIDER/5/0148/L-7/15/NCBR/2016.