32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Characterization of Biogas Production via Anaerobic Co-Digestion Using Dry Beans Phaseolus vulgaris
Laura E. Perry
Dr. Michelle Ammerman (Kettering University), Dr. Steve Nartker (Kettering University), Dr. Matthew O'Toole (Kettering University), and Ms. Anne Bergey, Faculty Mentors
Anaerobic co-digestion provides a means of waste disposal and renewable energy production. Before adding biomass into a large-scale anaerobic digester, it is beneficial to characterize the feedstock's effect on biogas production. In this study, the effect of adding dry beans to blended sludge on biogas production was determined using continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) and biomethane potential (BMP) tests. Additionally, chemical assays and gas chromatography were performed to analyze changes in reactor environments. With dry beans added at 8% of the organic loading rate (OLR), there was no statistically significant difference in specific gas production per hour. The addition of beans did not significantly improve or hinder biogas production. These results support anaerobic co-digestion as a possible way to dispose of dry cull beans.
Keywords: anaerobic co-digestion, anaerobic digester, biogas production
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 8-16
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00