Different process configurations for the energetic valorization of Ricotta Cheese Whey (RCW), a dairy byproduct, were investigated by mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion (AD) under continuous operation mode using a Mono-phase (MPR) and two Bi-phase (BPR1and BPR2) Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors (CSTRs). The results showed an increase in CH4production (21,4%-17. 3%) and in CH4content in biogas (19%-4%), in BPR1and BPR2respectively, compared to MPR (9. 59±0. 54NLCH4/d; 56. 3±0. 65%CH4). Although in BPR1 first phase, it was found negligible H2production (BPR1=0. 07±0. 002NLH2/d; 1. 1±0. 4%H2; BPR2=3. 91±0. 50 NLH2/d; 39±2%H2), a methane production comparable to BPR2was achieved, showing that the fermentation processes that occurred in the first phase can increases the final production of CH4regardless of the metabolic pathway. Low H2production in BPR1 contrasts with the high acetic acid concentration detected (19. 30±1. 4 mM), suggesting the establishment of an alternative pathway, the homoacetogenesis, which consumes H2and CO2to produce acetic acid. In order to investigate the effect of phase separations in BPR1and BPR2, the microbial community composition was analyzed in methanogenic reactors by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) in terms of Eubacteria vs Archaea and, inside the acetotrophic methanogenic guild, for Methanosarcina vs Methanosaeta. FISH analysis reveal the predominance in BPR1of Methanosarcina (9,4% vs 16,5% of total acetotrophic Archaea), compared to Methanosaeta, which predominate in BPR2(8,4% vs 16. 8%). Performing an economic feasibility analysis, the energetic valorization of dairy wastewater was result sustainable and profitable, pursuing the biorefinery concept. © 2016 ETA-Florence Renewable Energies.
Anaerobic digestion of ricotta cheese whey: Effect of phase separation on methane production and microbial community structure
Signorini, A.;Liberatore, R.;Felici, C.;Massini, G.
2016-01-01
Abstract
Different process configurations for the energetic valorization of Ricotta Cheese Whey (RCW), a dairy byproduct, were investigated by mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion (AD) under continuous operation mode using a Mono-phase (MPR) and two Bi-phase (BPR1and BPR2) Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors (CSTRs). The results showed an increase in CH4production (21,4%-17. 3%) and in CH4content in biogas (19%-4%), in BPR1and BPR2respectively, compared to MPR (9. 59±0. 54NLCH4/d; 56. 3±0. 65%CH4). Although in BPR1 first phase, it was found negligible H2production (BPR1=0. 07±0. 002NLH2/d; 1. 1±0. 4%H2; BPR2=3. 91±0. 50 NLH2/d; 39±2%H2), a methane production comparable to BPR2was achieved, showing that the fermentation processes that occurred in the first phase can increases the final production of CH4regardless of the metabolic pathway. Low H2production in BPR1 contrasts with the high acetic acid concentration detected (19. 30±1. 4 mM), suggesting the establishment of an alternative pathway, the homoacetogenesis, which consumes H2and CO2to produce acetic acid. In order to investigate the effect of phase separations in BPR1and BPR2, the microbial community composition was analyzed in methanogenic reactors by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) in terms of Eubacteria vs Archaea and, inside the acetotrophic methanogenic guild, for Methanosarcina vs Methanosaeta. FISH analysis reveal the predominance in BPR1of Methanosarcina (9,4% vs 16,5% of total acetotrophic Archaea), compared to Methanosaeta, which predominate in BPR2(8,4% vs 16. 8%). Performing an economic feasibility analysis, the energetic valorization of dairy wastewater was result sustainable and profitable, pursuing the biorefinery concept. © 2016 ETA-Florence Renewable Energies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
