Improving Methane Production through Co-Digestion of Canola Straw and Buffalo Dung by H2O2 Pretreatment

Abstract

In this study an effect of acidic pretreatment on the CS (Canola Straw) and BD (Buffalo Dung) by anaerobic co-digestion was investigated. H₂O₂ (Hydrogen Peroxide) is a mainly accustomed reagent, used as a bleaching agent in the different industries such as paper and wood. In the present study, it was used as a pretreatment chemical at varying concentrations in batch reactors. The co-digestion of CS and BD was carried out in SAMPTS (Semi-Automatic Methane Potential Test System) at mesophilic (37±1oC) conditions. The CS was pretreated in glass bottles with different concentrations of the H₂O₂ for seven days. The inoculum used in the present study was an effluent of the CSTR (Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor), which was treating BD at mesophilic conditions. The specific methane production from the codigestion of canola straw and BD, by the pretreatment of H₂O₂ at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% were 530.8, 544.5, and 510.3 NmL CH₄ g/VS, respectively. The significant reduction in the volatile solids of CS was observed at the optimum pretreatment of 1.0% H₂O₂.