Enhanced Biogas Production from Sugarcane Bagasse Using Combined Acid-Base Pretreatment and Thermophilic Bacterial Degradation

Abstract

This research explores the combined effects of acid-base pretreatment and biological degradation using thermophilic lignocellulolytic bacteria to enhance biogas production from sugarcane bagasse. This integrated approach significantly increased biogas yield, peaking at 89.64 mL/g VS on the 16th day, with biomethane production reaching 375.20 mL/g VS. The pretreatment broke down the lignocellulosic structure, improving microbial access and digestion efficiency. During anaerobic digestion, pH levels dropped from 6.9-7.0 to 6.63 and 5.99 for untreated and treated processes within 48 hours, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal pH due to volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Fe2O3-cement-based sand effectively removed hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from biogas, achieving nearly 100% removal at a 59 mL/min flow rate and 74.17% at 189 mL/min. This comprehensive method improves renewable energy generation from agricultural residues, supporting sustainable energy solutions.