Strategies to improve solid state anaerobic bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass: an overview

Solid state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) of lignocellulosic biomass may be attractive solution for its valorisation. Compared to liquid state anaerobic digestion (LSAD), SSAD can handle higher organic loading rates (OLR), requires a less water and smaller reactor volume. It may require lower energy demand for heating or mixing and has higher volumetric methane productivity. Besides numerous benefits of SSAD processes and progress in system design, there are still obstacles, which need to be overcome for its successful implementations. This review aims to compile the recent trends in enhancing the bioconversion of agricultural stubbles in SSAD. Several pretreatment procedures used to breaking lignin and cellulose complex, method to overcome carbon to nitrogen ratio imbalance, use of carbon-based conducting materials to enhance Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) conversion and additives for achieving nutrient balance will be discussed in this review. Leachate recirculation and its impacts on SSAD of agricultural stubbles are also discussed.