Enhanced biogas production from winery solid waste through application of iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Different methods and processes of optimizing the yield of biogas are currently being explored globally. In this study, the use of Iron oxide nanoparticles as an additive to improve the biogas production was carried out. Iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) were synthesized by hydrothermal method. And subsequently, the biomethane potential test was conducted in a 500 mL batch reactor set at mesophilic conditions for a retention time of 15 days. A combination ratio of 100ppm ION to 1.6 g/VS winery solid waste (WSW) was used to run duplicate experiments. Results showed a cumulative biogas yield of 17,17mL /g.VSadded for WSW alone (W1) compared to 56,93mL/g.VSadded for the combination of WSW and ION (W2) which represents a biogas increase of 232%. In conclusion, ION has chemical properties that boost biogas production irrespective of the type of substrate used. The finding is of interest to the biogas industry along with waste management practitioners.