Evaluation of marine algae as a source of biogas in a two-stage anaerobic reactor system

• Published in: Biomass and Bioenergy
• Main Authors: Vergara Fernández, Alberto, Vargas, Gisela, Alarcon, Nelson, Velasco, Antonio
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD 2021
• Subjects: two-phase anaerobic digestion; ASBR; UAF; methane; renewable energy; Macrocystis pyrifera; Durvillea antarctica; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://repositoriodigital.uct.cl/handle/10925/3257; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2007.10.005

The marine algae are considered an important biomass source; however, their utilization as energy source is still low around the world. The technical feasibility of marine algae utilization as a source of renewable energy was studied to laboratory scale. The anaerobic digestion of Macrocystis pyrifera, Durvillea antarctica and their blend 1:1 (w/w) was evaluated in a two-phase anaerobic digestion system, which consisted of an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) and an upflow anaerobic filter (UAF). The results show that 70% of the total biogas produced in the system was generated in the UAF, and both algae species have similar biogas productions of 180.4(+/- 1.5) mL g(-1) dry algae d(-1), with a methane concentration around 65%. The same methane content was observed in biogas yield of algae blend; however, a lower biogas yield was obtained. In conclusion, either algae species or their blend can be utilized to produce methane gas in a two-phase digestion system. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.