A Multiproduct Biorefinery Approach for the Production of Hydrogen, Methane and Volatile Fatty Acids from Agricultural Waste
Edoardo Righetti, Simone Nortilli, Francesco Fatone, Nicola Frison, David Bolzonella
Abstract
Abstract A pilot scale biorefinery platform for the treatment of agro-waste and the production of hydrogen, methane and volatile fatty acids was studied in real environment. The system adopted was a two stage anaerobic process where hydrogen and volatile fatty acids were produced in the first phase (fermentation) and methane in the second one (digestion). The study demonstrated the possibility to produce a biogas composed by hydrogen and methane (10% and 55%, respectively) while recovering volatile fatty acids. The yield for acids production was equivalent to 0.13 gVFA/gTVS (as COD) with acetate and butyrate as dominant observed species. Graphic Abstract
Topics & Concepts
BiorefineryBiogasAnaerobic digestionMethaneChemistryPulp and paper industryHydrogenFermentationWaste managementVolatile fatty acidsHydrogen productionFood scienceOrganic chemistryEngineeringRaw materialRumenAnaerobic Digestion and Biogas ProductionBiodiesel Production and ApplicationsBiofuel production and bioconversion