The effects of Microalgae Biomass Co-Substrate on Biogas Production from the Common Agricultural Biogas Plants Feedstock

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects on methane production of the addition of microalgae biomass of Arthrospira platensis and Platymonas subcordiformis to the common feedstock used in agricultural biogas plants (cattle manure, maize silage). Anaerobic biodegradability tests were carried out using respirometric reactors operated at an initial organic loading rate of 5.0 kg volatile solids (VS)/m3, temperature of 35°C, and a retention time of 20 days. A systematic increase in the biogas production efficiency was found, where the ratio of microalgae biomass in the feedstock increased from 0% to 40% (%VS). Higher microalgae biomass ratio did not have a significant impact on improving the efficiency of biogas production, and the biogas production remained at a level comparable with 40% share of microalgae biomass in the feedstock. This was probably related to the carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio decrease in the mixture of substrates. The use of Platymonas subcordiformis ensured higher biogas production, with the maximum value of 1058.8 ± 25.2 L/kg VS. The highest content of methane, at an average concentration of 65.6% in the biogas produced, was observed in setups with Arthrospira plantensis biomass added at a concentration of between 20%–40% to the feedstock mixture.