Biogas from Banana Farming Residues

Biogas from Banana Farming Residues

Biogas production from solid residues generated in bioethanol production
using banana biomass

Article Summary

The article, titled Biogas production from solid residues generated in bioethanol production using banana biomass, analyzes the production of biogas from solid residues generated during bioethanol production using banana biomass, focusing on the viability of these residues for generating renewable energy. Santa Catarina, one of Brazil's main banana producers, generates approximately 3,000 kg of pseudostem, 650 kg of peels, and 350 kg of rejected fruits for every 1,000 kg of harvested bananas.

The study quantifies and characterizes these residues, revealing that banana peels and vinasse (fermented juice residue) have lower total solids content and favorable C/N (carbon/nitrogen) ratio, resulting in a higher biochemical methane potential (BMP) (260 mL CH₄ g VS^-1) compared to pseudostem bagasse (201 mL CH₄ g VS^-1). However, vinasse (fermented juice residue) presents a high hydrogen sulfide content, requiring desulfurization for safe use. The results demonstrate that these residues have a high degradation potential, highlighting their feasibility for biogas production and contributing to sustainability in agriculture.

The article was published in the Brazilian Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Volume 29, Number 3, March 2025.

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Authors 

The article was written by:

• Gabriel R. Ribeiro - Universidade da Região de Joinville
• Ricardo L. R. Steinmetz -  Embrapa Suínos e Aves
• Elisabeth Wisbeck - Universidade da Região de Joinville

Key Highlights

• Residue Potential: The study emphasizes the significant amount of residues generated in banana production in Santa Catarina, including pseudostems, peels, and rejected fruits.
• Residue Characterization: The analysis details the characteristics of the residues, such as total solids content and C:N ratios, which influence biogas production.
• Methane Production: Banana peels and vinasse show high potential for methane production, with values of 260 mL CH₄ g VS^-1
• for peels and 201 mL CH₄ g VS^-1 for pseudostem bagasse.
• Vinasse Challenges: Despite its potential, vinasse presents high levels of hydrogen sulfide, requiring desulfurization to ensure safe use.
• Sustainability: The article highlights the importance of using these residues for biogas generation, contributing to sustainability and energy efficiency in agriculture. 
• Economic Relevance: The research suggests that valuing banana residues could lead to economic and environmental benefits, promoting a more sustainable approach to agricultural production.

Objective of the paper

The paper aimed to quantify and characterize solid residues generated in bioethanol production using banana biomass, focusing on evaluating the potential of these residues for biogas and methane production. The study seeks to understand how these residues, such as pseudostems, banana peels, and vinasse (fermented juice residue), can be efficiently used to generate renewable energy, contributing to agricultural sustainability and the valorization of banana farming byproductsa.

Methodology Used

The methodology used in the study included the following steps:

• Residue Collection: The solid residue generated during the production of bioethanol from banana biomass was collected, including the pseudostem, banana peels, and vinasse (residue of fermented juice).
• Residue Characterization: The residue was characterized in terms of chemical composition, total solids content, and C:N ratios (carbon:nitrogen) to evaluate its properties and suitability for biogas production.
• Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) Assessment: Tests were conducted to measure the biochemical methane potential of the different residues, using anaerobic digestion methods to simulate biogas production conditions, according to the VDI (2006) standard.
• Biogas Composition Analysis: The composition of the generated biogas was analyzed to determine methane and carbon dioxide concentrations, evaluating whether they met the criteria for energy use.
• Biogas Kinetics Modeling: The Gompertz model was used to describe the kinetics of biogas production from the residue, allowing for a quantitative analysis of the process.

These steps provided a comprehensive understanding of the potential of banana residue for biogas production and its feasibility as a renewable energy source.

Findings

The study findings include:

• Methane Production: Banana peels and vinasse showed high potential for methane production, with values of 260 mL CH₄ g VS^-1 for the peels and 201 mL CH₄ g VS^-1 for the banana pseudostem.
• residue Composition: The characterized residue showed lower total solids content and favorable C:N ratios (10-30:1), contributing to a higher biochemical methane potential.
• Vinasse Challenges: Vinasse (fermented juice residue) showed a high hydrogen sulfide content (0.0783%), requiring desulfurization processes to ensure the safety of the generated biogas.
• Biogas Feasibility: The composition of the biogas produced from the residue met utilization criteria, with adequate concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide, highlighting the feasibility of these residues for energy generation.
• Sustainability: The results indicate that using banana industry residue for biogas production not only contributes to renewable energy generation but also promotes sustainability in agriculture by valuing by-products that might otherwise be discarded.

These results demonstrate the significant potential of banana residue for biogas and methane production, emphasizing the importance of its use in the search for sustainable energy solutions.

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Conclusion

The conclusion of the article highlights the importance of using banana farming residues, such as pseudostem, banana peels, and vinasse, in the production of biogas and methane, demonstrating their significant potential as renewable energy sources. The results obtained show that these residues not only have favorable characteristics for anaerobic digestion but also meet the quality criteria for biogas production, with adequate concentrations of methane and carbon dioxide.

The relevance of the study extends beyond energy production, as it contributes to sustainability in agriculture by promoting the valorization of by-products that would otherwise be discarded. The research also points to the need for desulfurization processes, especially in the case of vinasse (fermented liquid residue), to ensure the safety of the biogas use.

In a broader context, the valorization of banana farming residues can lead to a reduction in the environmental impacts associated with the disposal of these materials, as well as offer an economic alternative for producers. Thus, the article not only contributes to the scientific knowledge of biogas production but also proposes practical solutions that can be implemented in agriculture, promoting a more sustainable and efficient approach to natural resource utilization.

Access the full article

Scientific Dissemination: for more detailed information on the methodology used and biogas potential values, among other information, access the full article:

• DOI: 10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v29n3e282355

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