Evaluation of the biogas potential of mucilage formed in the Marmara Sea

Abstract

The mucilage, which emerged as a result of increasing global warming and the deterioration of marine ecosystem balances, has taken the Marmara Sea under its influence. Mucilage appears in some periods and there is not much information about its bioenergy production potential. In this study, the biogas and biohydrogen production potential was determined when mucilage collected from the coasts is used as a substrate. Different S/X ratios were evaluated for biogas production. The highest biogas production was observed as 682 ml/g VS at the S/X ratio of 2. Dark fermentation was carried out using mixed Clostridium sp. to produce biohydrogen. As a result of fermentation, a maximum biohydrogen yield of 117 ml H 2 /g VS hydrogen was obtained. In terms of both biogas and hydrogen results, the bioenergy potentials of the mucilage sample taken from the surface were determined to be higher than the bottom sediment. • The highest biogas production was observed at the S/X ratio of 2. • A maximum biohydrogen yield of 117 ml H 2 /g VS was obtained. • The methane content was ranged between 25 and 30% for both samples. • The bioenergy potential of the white mucilage was higher.