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Continuous hydrogen and methane production in a two-stage cheese whey fermentation system
C B Cota-Navarro1, J Carrillo-Reyes, G Davila-Vazquez
1División de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Lomas 4a sección, C.P. 78216, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P, México.
Summary
This study explored combining biological hydrogen and methane production using cheese whey powder. The two-stage process efficiently recovered energy, demonstrating CWP as a viable substrate for sustainable biogas generation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Mixed microbial cultures can produce biogas from waste streams.
- Cheese whey powder (CWP) is an abundant byproduct with energy potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a two-stage process for simultaneous hydrogen and methane production from CWP.
- To optimize operational parameters like HRT and OLR for maximum biogas yields.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-stage bioreactor system: a CSTR for hydrogen production and a UASB for methane production.
- Investigated the impact of varying hydraulic retention times (HRT) and organic loading rates (OLR).
- Analyzed substrate composition and biogas production rates (VHPR and VMPR).
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum volumetric hydrogen production rate (VHPR) of 28 L H2/L/d at specific HRT and OLR.
- Demonstrated stable hydrogen production even at lower HRT and higher OLR.
- Obtained over 90% COD removal in the UASB reactor for methane production.
- The integrated system recovered over 70% of the substrate's energy content.
Conclusions:
- Biological hydrogen and methane production can be efficiently coupled in a two-stage system.
- CWP is a suitable and effective substrate for energy recovery through biogas production.
- The developed process offers a sustainable route for waste valorization and renewable energy generation.
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