Evaluation of biogas production from residues of the dietary supplement industry

Abstract

The increase in the industrial generation of dietary residues negatively affects the planet. Biogas, a result from anaerobic digestion, is produced by the degradation of organic compost converted into energy. Consequently, this energy can be used as an alternative source and contribute to managing industrial residues. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate biogas production from industrial residues in a dietary supplement industry located in the municipality of Estrela, state of Rio Grande do Sul. The methodology is based on the Automated Biogas Measurement System (ABMS), described by Konrad, Hasan, Marder, Zulian, and Guerini Filho (2021), using triplicate samples, and carried out at the Energy and Sustainable Technologies Research Center (ESTRC), located in the Scientific and Technological Park inside the Taquari Valley University - Univates (Tecnovates). The analyzed samples had different characteristics, such as solid and liquid residue. Results showed that the oily, liquid residue presents a higher potential for biogas production, and, in the same way, other substrates also showed positive results for potential biogas and methane production (BBP and BMP). The highest methane percentage reached by the samples was 63.94, 71.83; 70.55; 71.24; and 67.38% (for SR, GLR, OLR, Mix 50/50 RL and Mix S/L 96/4, respectively). Residues from dietary supplements showed positive potential for the production of biogas and methane. Furthermore, the effluent of anaerobic digestion can be used as a fertilizer, since it is rich in vitamins and minerals.