Suitability of Common nettle (Urticadioica) and Canadian goldenrod (Solidagocanadensis) for methane production
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Energetics, Cakstesblvd. 5, LV3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: vilisd@inbox.lv
Abstract:
Support for biogas production in Latvia was decreased. There is an urgent need to investigate the suitability of various inexpensive renewable biomass resources for energy production. Also, itis necessary to explore the possibilities to improve the anaerobic fermentation process with the help of various catalysts. Biocatalyst Metaferm produced in Latvia was used in previous studies with other biomass and showed increase in biogas and methane production. The article shows the results of studies on biogas (methane) production from chopped fresh Common nettle (Urtica dioica) and Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) biomass and effect of catalyst Metaferm in anaerobic fermentation process. The anaerobic digestion process was performed in 0.75 L laboratory digesters, operated in batch mode (38 ± 1.0 °C, 35 days). The average specific biogas or methane production per unit of dry organic matter added (DOM) from Common nettle was 0.709 L g-1DOM or was 0.324 L g-1DOM respectively. Average specific biogas or methane volume produced from chopped Canadian goldenrod in anaerobic fermentation was 0.548 L g-1DOM or 0.267 L g-1DOM respectively. Average biogas or methane yield from digestion of chopped Common nettle with 1 mL Metaferm was 0.752 L g-1DOM or 0.328 L g-1DOM respectively. Average specific biogas or methane yield from anaerobic fermentation of chopped Canadian goldenrod with 1 mL Metaferm was 0.624 L g-1DOM or 0.276 L g-1DOM respectively. Adding of catalyst Metaferm increases methane yield from chopped nettle or Canadian goldenrod by 1.2% or 3.4% respectively. All investigated biomass resources can be used for methane production.
Key words:
anaerobic digestion, biogas, Canadian goldenrod, methane, nettle