Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Biogas Purification through the use of a Microalgae-Bacterial System in Semi-Industrial High Rate Algal Ponds
Published on: March 22, 2024
Utilization of by-products from ethanol production as substrate for biogas production
F De Paoli1, A Bauer, C Leonhartsberger
1University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Agricultural Engineering, Peter Jordan-Strasse 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
The aims of this work were to determine the specific biogas yields of steam-exploded sugarcane straw and bagasse as well as to estimate their energy potential under Brazilian conditions. Steam-explosion was carried out under different time and temperature conditions. The specific biogas yields were analyzed in batch-tests according to VDI 4630. Results have shown that steam-explosion pre-treatment increased the specific biogas yields of straw and bagasse significantly compared to the untreated material. The utilization of these by-products can contribute to 5% of the total energy consumption and thereby higher energy independence in Brazil. Further efforts in defining the optimum pretreatment conditions with steam-explosion as well as implementing this technology in large scale plants should be made.
Related Concept Videos
Production of Alcohol
Biofuels
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Bioreactor Controls-III
Production of Organic Acids
Fates of Pyruvate
In aerobic organisms, pyruvate is metabolized via the citric acid cycle to produce reduced coenzymes NADH and FADH2. These coenzymes are then oxidized in the electron transport chain to produce ATP and, in the process, regenerate the NAD+ and FAD. As seen in some cell types and organisms, fermentation...

