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Updated: May 16, 2026

Evaluation of Integrated Anaerobic Digestion and Hydrothermal Carbonization for Bioenergy Production
Published on: June 15, 2014
Methane production by treating vinasses from hydrous ethanol using a modified UASB reactor
Elda I España-Gamboa1, Javier O Mijangos-Cortés, Galdy Hernández-Zárate
1Unidad de Energía Renovable, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán A,C (CICY), Calle 43 No, 130 Col, Chuburná de Hidalgo, C,P, 97200, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. lag@cicy.mx.
This study optimized methane production from hydrous ethanol vinasse using a modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor. The best results were achieved at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 17.05 kg COD/m3-day, yielding high methane content.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Engineering
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Vinasse, a high-organic-load waste from alcohol distillation, requires anaerobic treatment.
- Anaerobic digestion of vinasse offers dual benefits: waste reduction and energy recovery (biogas).
- Biogas, rich in methane, is a valuable renewable energy source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal organic loading rate (OLR) for treating hydrous ethanol vinasse.
- To assess the efficiency of a modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for vinasse treatment and methane production.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a laboratory-scale modified UASB reactor for hydrous ethanol vinasse treatment.
- Determined the optimum OLR by monitoring COD removal, methane yield, and biogas composition.
- Employed PCR to identify microbial communities (Archaea and Bacteria) involved in methane production.
Main Results:
- Achieved 69% COD removal efficiency at an OLR of 17.05 kg COD/m3-day.
- Obtained a methane yield of 0.263 m3/kg CODadded with 84% methane content in biogas.
- Identified methanogenic microorganisms (Methanobacteriales, Methanosarcinales) thriving at the optimal OLR.
Conclusions:
- The modified UASB reactor effectively treated vinasse from hydrous ethanol production.
- Specific methanogen groups were confirmed to enhance methane production under optimal operational conditions.
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