Effect of particle size on the biomethanation kinetics of mechanically pretreated Sargassum spp biomass

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The collection and use of Sargassum spp. as feedstock for the production of valuable products such as biomethane by anaerobic digestion (AD) would mitigate the negative impact of the blooms and the costs related to waste management in the Dominical Republic. Methods In this work, the effect of the particle size of pelagic Sargassum spp. biomass, as a result of mechanical pretreatments, on the biomethanation was determined. The Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) of the samples was determined using an Automatic Potential System Test II (AMPTS® II). The kinetic parameters of the reaction were scientifically evaluated by using First order kinetic Model and modified Gompertz Model. Results We observed that BMP increased by 78.85% when particles were reduced from 50000 µm to 505 µm and by 73.61% when particles were reduced from 50000 µm to 107 µm. Conclusion A low methane yield from biomass S.3 compared to S.2 could be related to the excessive reduction of particle size. The fine particles are subject to the formation of aggregates and consequently, the contact area between the algae cells and the microorganisms that operate the anaerobic digestion process decreases.