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Single-throughput Complementary High-resolution Analytical Techniques for Characterizing Complex Natural Organic Matter Mixtures
Published on: January 7, 2019
An OxiTop(®) protocol for screening plant material for its biochemical methane potential (BMP)
C P Pabón Pereira1, G Castañares, J B van Lier
1Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Diagonal Las Torres 2640 Peñalolén, 7941169 Santiago de Chile, Chile. claudia.pabon@uai.cl
Summary
Optimizing biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests is crucial for assessing plant material biodegradability. Proper test conditions, avoiding NaOH pellets and using sample comminution, significantly impact results for anaerobic digestion screening.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
- Environmental Science
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Accurate assessment of plant material for anaerobic digestion is vital for optimizing biogas production.
- Standardized protocols are needed to ensure reliable biochemical methane potential (BMP) testing.
- The OxiTop(®) system offers a convenient method for BMP determination, but optimal conditions require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and refine a protocol for determining the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of plant material using the OxiTop(®) system.
- To evaluate the impact of different test conditions, specifically CO(2) absorption methods and sample pretreatment, on BMP results.
- To provide guidelines for reliable screening of plant materials for anaerobic digestion.
Main Methods:
- Development of a BMP testing protocol utilizing the OxiTop(®) system.
- Investigation of NaOH pellets for CO(2) absorption and their effect on test stability and methanization.
- Assessment of various sample comminution (pretreatment) methods to determine their influence on biodegradability.
- Comparative analysis of BMP results under different tested conditions.
Main Results:
- The use of NaOH pellets in the OxiTop(®) system headspace negatively impacted test stability by increasing pH and inhibiting methanization.
- Sample comminution significantly increased the biodegradability of plant materials.
- Test conditions critically influence BMP assessment, with observed differences up to 44%.
Conclusions:
- Standardized BMP testing protocols are essential for accurate anaerobic biodegradability assessment of plant materials.
- Recommendations are provided for optimizing the OxiTop(®) system protocol for reliable screening of plant materials for anaerobic digestion.
- Careful consideration of CO(2) absorption and sample pretreatment is necessary for valid BMP determination.
