Characterization of pomace and macroalgae for energy recovery through Anaerobic Co-digestion

Abstract

In this study, the physicochemical characterization of apple, pear, grape and malt bagasse pomace was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of treating them by Anaerobic Digestion. Acidic pH values (3.53 to 5.15) constitute the main limitation for their digestion as monosubstrates, raising the need to incorporate animal manures in the digestion mixture that provide buffer capacity. electrical conductivity values are adequate (0.78 to 1.56 mS/cm) but positive redox potential values are not. The concentration of volatile solids (90-98 %BH) and chemical oxygen demand (221-513 mg O/g) indicate a high content of organic matter, desirable in anaerobic digestion. The lignin content would indicate that the most biodegradable substrate would be malt bagasse -BM- (5.19%), followed by apple pomace -OM- (5.40%), pear pomace -OP- (12, 35%) and finally grape pomace -OU- (43.95%).