Abstract
In this study, optimization of microwave (MW) pretreatment conditions for anaerobic digestion of green microalgae (Enteromorpha) is carried out by using response surface methodology (RSM). MW power, pretreatment time and liquid-solid ratio were selected as independent variables for optimization. The optimum conditions were achieved at MW power, pretreatment time and liquid-solid ratio of 656.92 W, 5.10 min and 33.63:1, respectively. From these optimum conditions, it was found that MW pretreatment power of about 600 W had better effect. An anaerobic digestion was carried out batch-wise with working volume, operating temperature and mixing rate as 250 ml, 37 °C and 150 rpm, respectively. Optimum conditions provide highest amount of COD and reducing sugar increase of 10,420 mg/L and 0.77-0.79 g/L respectively. The increase in COD and reducing sugar showed that the pretreatment has improved anaerobic digestion of microalgae. The peak biogas production amount of MW pretreated 20:1, 6 min group reached 244 mL whereas the control group only reached 188 mL in total.
Highlights
Today's society is highly dependent on fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas, lignite and coal [1]
The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of MW pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of green algae (Enteromorpha)
The results presented for chemical oxygen demand (COD), reducing sugar and carbohydrates are after pretreatment but before fermentation experiments
Summary
Today's society is highly dependent on fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas, lignite and coal [1]. These natural reserves are region specific and may cause depletion of resources in some regions after a certain amount of time. Our industrialized society is highly dependent on the use of energy sources for the continuation of its economic and welfare growth. Biogas is produced due to bio-decomposition of organic material caused by bacteria in anaerobic conditions. To encounter the growing demands of energy across the world and waste disposal, production and distribution of biogas from organic matter could serve as one possible solution
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