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Bioenergy Generation from Different Types of Waste by Anaerobic Digestion

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 29379

Special Issue Editors

Department of Plant-Derived Food Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Poznań, Poland
Interests: environmental engineering; waste management; anaerobic digestion; bioenergy production; cell carriers; cell immobilization; wastewater treatment; food chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Biosystems Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Interests: biogas; waste; anaerobic digestion; wastewater treatment; methane production; environment; water treatment; biodegradation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In view of the energy crisis and climate changes, the world is searching for sources of green energy to replace fossil fuels. Energy security, especially the supplying of renewable energy and reduction of CO2 emissions have become priorities in the energy policy. Thanks to biotechnologies based on anaerobic digestion (AD) it is possible to obtain biogas with high methane content, which can be used as an alternative source of energy. This is the main reason why this process has continued to interest scientists and energy companies for many years. In order to solve another civilisation problem, i.e. the production of large amounts of waste, various types of waste are often used as primary or additional biomass in the AD process. Anaerobic digestion is based not only on waste from agriculture, horticulture, forestry, food processing, and wood processing but also on municipal, packaging, medical, veterinary and chemical waste. The concept of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is one of the methods to achieve sustainable development of bioenergy. The production of bioenergy from waste reduces lump waste generation and its dumping into land. This special issue focuses on recent advances in the conversion of waste to bioenergy, especially biogas and biohydrogen in the AD process. The number of articles on similar topics which are published each year shows the need to search for potential substrates, technological solutions and optimal conditions for the implementation of the AD process. In order to implement AD as a method of disposal of waste of various origin it is necessary to systematically broaden the knowledge about the physicochemical and biochemical nature of the process.

Dr. Agnieszka Pilarska
Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Pilarski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • waste management
  • waste composition
  • zero waste discharge
  • biomass
  • biogas
  • biomethane
  • biohydrogen
  • anaerobic digestion
  • process stability
  • process monitoring
  • bioreactor configurations
  • additives
  • microorganisms
  • organic loading rate
  • process monitoring
  • process efficiency

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 196 KiB  
Editorial
Bioenergy Generation from Different Types of Waste by Anaerobic Digestion
by Agnieszka A. Pilarska and Krzysztof Pilarski
Energies 2023, 16(19), 6919; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16196919 - 01 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 787
Abstract
One of the problems of the modern world is the generation of increasing amounts of waste by agriculture and various industries [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 4085 KiB  
Article
Using Central Composite Design to Improve Methane Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Tomato Plant Waste
by Graciela M. L. Ruiz-Aguilar, Juan H. Martínez-Martínez, Rogelio Costilla-Salazar and Sarai Camarena-Martínez
Energies 2023, 16(14), 5412; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145412 - 16 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 981
Abstract
Tomato plant waste (TPW) is a significant agricultural byproduct that has been often underutilized. Recent studies have shown that its use to obtain methane in an anaerobic digestion (AD) process is viable. However, there is not much information available on studies to improve [...] Read more.
Tomato plant waste (TPW) is a significant agricultural byproduct that has been often underutilized. Recent studies have shown that its use to obtain methane in an anaerobic digestion (AD) process is viable. However, there is not much information available on studies to improve methane production from this substrate using statistical methods for optimization processes such as central composite design (CCD). For this investigation, CCD was adopted to analyze the effect of S/I ratio (substrate/inoculum ratio) (0.32–1.12), temperature (27–43 °C), and inoculum concentration (10.35–20.95 g VS/L) on methane generation and volatile solids (VS) removal in a batch AD system mono-digestion of TPW. The highest average value of methane yield was found to be 210.8 mL CH4/g VS (S/I ratio 0.48, 40 °C, and 18.80 g VS/L), and the highest average value of VS removal was found to be 36.9% (S/I ratio 1.12, 35 °C, and 15.65 g VS/L). We obtain a model with a better fit for the VS removal (R2 = 0.9587) than for the methane production (R2 = 0.9156). Temperature and S/I ratio were the factors most important for methane production and VS removal, respectively. Full article
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19 pages, 2146 KiB  
Article
Management of Biodegradable Waste Intended for Biogas Production in a Large City
by Marta Szyba and Jerzy Mikulik
Energies 2023, 16(10), 4039; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104039 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1435
Abstract
Biodegradable waste from households, companies, and gastronomy is not utilized in large Polish agglomerations for the production of biogas. Determining the biogas production potential in a selected agglomeration will enable the implementation of circular economy goals and sustainable development objectives. Once appropriate odor [...] Read more.
Biodegradable waste from households, companies, and gastronomy is not utilized in large Polish agglomerations for the production of biogas. Determining the biogas production potential in a selected agglomeration will enable the implementation of circular economy goals and sustainable development objectives. Once appropriate odor neutrality standards are met, biogas plants could be constructed around large cities, supplying both energy and heating systems to nearby housing estates or production facilities. This article aims to assess the potential of biodegradable municipal waste collected in a large city for the production of energy in specialized municipal biogas plants. The following analytical study focuses on Krakow and its surrounding municipalities. Because of its geographical location, Krakow is exposed to smog, and every action limiting the usage of carbon-based materials for heating will have a positive impact on the air quality. A biogas plant powered by municipal waste would present a viable opportunity to limit urban smog. It is also crucial that a biogas plant can store energy as it is equipped with methane tanks. Both renewable and other energy sources are still awaiting functional technical solutions that would allow for optimal energy storage. Full article
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12 pages, 2174 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Methane Production in a One-Stage vs. Two-Stage Anaerobic Digestion Process from Raw Tomato Plant Waste
by Graciela M. L. Ruiz-Aguilar, Hector G. Nuñez-Palenius, Nanh Lovanh and Sarai Camarena-Martínez
Energies 2022, 15(23), 9137; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15239137 - 02 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
An anaerobic digestion process performed in two stages has the advantages of the production of hydrogen in addition to methane, and of further degradation of the substrate over the conventional process. The effectiveness of the implementation of this system for the treatment of [...] Read more.
An anaerobic digestion process performed in two stages has the advantages of the production of hydrogen in addition to methane, and of further degradation of the substrate over the conventional process. The effectiveness of the implementation of this system for the treatment of lignocellulosic waste has been demonstrated. In 2020, more than 180 million tons of organic waste were generated worldwide from tomato crop production, posing a serious environmental risk. In the present investigation, methane production was compared in a two-stage system versus one-stage system from non-pretreated tomato plant residues. For this, different temperature (37 and 55 °C) and initial pH (5.5 and 6.5) conditions were evaluated during hydrogenesis and a constant temperature (37 °C, without pH adjustment) during methanogenesis. At the same time, a one-stage treatment (37 °C, without pH adjustment) was run for comparison purposes. The two-stage treatment in which the highest production of hydrogen, 12.4 mL/g VS, and methane, 252.3 mL/g VS, was observed occurred under the conditions of pH 6.5 and at 37 °C. However, this energy production was statistically similar (p < 0.5) to the one-stage treatment (365.4 mL CH4/g VS). Furthermore, there were also no significant differences in the removal of volatile solids between the different treatments. Full article
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19 pages, 4053 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly and Effective Diatomaceous Earth/Peat (DEP) Microbial Carriers in the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Food Waste Products
by Agnieszka A. Pilarska, Krzysztof Pilarski, Mariusz Adamski, Maciej Zaborowicz, Dorota Cais-Sokolińska, Agnieszka Wolna-Maruwka and Alicja Niewiadomska
Energies 2022, 15(9), 3442; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093442 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
This article aims to present the results of research on anaerobic digestion (AD) of waste wafers (WF-control) and co-substrate system—waste wafers and cheese (WFC-control), combined with digested sewage sludge. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical parameters of the diatomaceous [...] Read more.
This article aims to present the results of research on anaerobic digestion (AD) of waste wafers (WF-control) and co-substrate system—waste wafers and cheese (WFC-control), combined with digested sewage sludge. The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical parameters of the diatomaceous earth/peat (DEP; 3:1) carrier material and to verify its impact on the enzymatic activity and the process performance. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory, in a periodical mode of operation of bioreactors, under mesophilic conditions. The results of analyses of morphological-dispersive, spectroscopic, adsorption, thermal, and microbiological properties confirmed that the tested carrier material can be an excellent option to implement in biotechnological processes, especially in anaerobic digestion. As part of the experiment, the substrates, feedstock, and fermenting slurry were subjected to the analysis for standard process parameters. Monitoring of the course of AD was performed by measuring the values of key parameters for the recognition of the stability of the process: pH, VFA/TA ratio (volatile fatty acids/total alkalinity), the content of NH4+, and dehydrogenase activity, as an indicator of the intensity of respiratory metabolism of microorganisms. No significant signals of destabilization of the AD process were registered. The highest dehydrogenase activity, in the course of the process, was maintained in the WFC + DEP system. The microbial carrier DEP, used for the first time in the anaerobic digestion, had a positive effect on the yield of methane production. As a result, an increase in the volume of produced biogas was obtained for samples fermented with DEP carrier material for WF + DEP by 13.18% to a cumulative methane yield of 411.04 m3 Mg−1 VS, while for WFC + DEP by 12.85% to 473.91 m3 Mg−1 VS. Full article
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17 pages, 1384 KiB  
Article
Energy and Economic Balance between Manure Stored and Used as a Substrate for Biogas Production
by Jakub Mazurkiewicz
Energies 2022, 15(2), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15020413 - 06 Jan 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2583
Abstract
The aim of the study is to draw attention to the fact that reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions as a result of traditional manure storage for several months in a pile is not only a non-ecological solution, but also unprofitable. A solution [...] Read more.
The aim of the study is to draw attention to the fact that reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions as a result of traditional manure storage for several months in a pile is not only a non-ecological solution, but also unprofitable. A solution that combines both aspects—environmental and financial—is the use of manure as a substrate for a biogas plant, but immediately—directly after its removal from the dairy barn. As part of the case study, the energy and economic balance of a model farm with dairy farming for the scenario without biogas plant and with a biogas plant using manure as the main substrate in methane fermentation processes was also performed. Research data on the average emission of ammonia and nitrous oxide from 1 Mg of stored manure as well as the results of laboratory tests on the yield of biogas from dairy cows manure were obtained on the basis of samples taken from the farm being a case study. The use of a biogas installation would allow the emission of carbon dioxide equivalent to be reduced by up to 100 Mg per year. In addition, it has been shown that the estimated payback period for biogas installations is less than 5 years, and with the current trend of increasing energy prices, it may be even shorter—up to 4 years. Full article
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14 pages, 2033 KiB  
Article
Anaerobic Digestion of Cigarette Butts: Microbial Community Analysis and Energy Production Estimation
by Okkyoung Choi, Sae Eun Hwang, Hyojung Park and Byoung-In Sang
Energies 2021, 14(24), 8290; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248290 - 09 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion using cigarette butts, one of most littered items, was studied not only as a waste treatment, but also as an energy production method. Methane production from cigarette butts was measured through the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test and it was evaluated [...] Read more.
Anaerobic digestion using cigarette butts, one of most littered items, was studied not only as a waste treatment, but also as an energy production method. Methane production from cigarette butts was measured through the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test and it was evaluated whether it is possible to produce electrical energy. Intact cigarettes or individual components (filter, paper, and leaf) were supplied as the sole carbon source (substrate) for the BMP test. The tendency of methane production indicated biodegradation in the order of paper, filter, and leaves; however, the filter of cigarettes was the substrate produced the highest amount of methane per total solid. The microbial community was also analyzed in each anaerobic digestion reactor, and substrate-specific microorganisms were identified, such as Proteiniphilum strain (filter) and Methanobacterium formicicum (paper). In intact cigarettes, the related microbial community became dominant over time in the order of paper, filter, and leaf. The conversion of cigarette butts to methane, a renewable energy source, can be proposed as a sustainable route for energy demand, for example, in a smoking room. Full article
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16 pages, 2947 KiB  
Article
Degree of Biomass Conversion in the Integrated Production of Bioethanol and Biogas
by Krzysztof Pilarski, Agnieszka A. Pilarska, Piotr Boniecki, Gniewko Niedbała, Kamil Witaszek, Magdalena Piekutowska, Małgorzata Idzior-Haufa and Agnieszka Wawrzyniak
Energies 2021, 14(22), 7763; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227763 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1969
Abstract
The integrated production of bioethanol and biogas makes it possible to optimise the production of carriers from renewable raw materials. The installation analysed in this experimental paper was a hybrid system, in which waste from the production of bioethanol was used in a [...] Read more.
The integrated production of bioethanol and biogas makes it possible to optimise the production of carriers from renewable raw materials. The installation analysed in this experimental paper was a hybrid system, in which waste from the production of bioethanol was used in a biogas plant with a capacity of 1 MWe. The main objective of this study was to determine the energy potential of biomass used for the production of bioethanol and biogas. Based on the results obtained, the conversion rate of the biomass—maize, in this case—into bioethanol was determined as the efficiency of the process of bioethanol production. A biomass conversion study was conducted for 12 months, during which both maize grains and stillage were sampled once per quarter (QU-I, QU-II, QU-III, QU-IV; QU—quarter) for testing. Between 342 L (QU-II) and 370 L (QU-I) of ethanol was obtained from the organic matter subjected to alcoholic fermentation. The mass that did not undergo conversion to bioethanol ranged from 269.04 kg to 309.50 kg, which represented 32.07% to 36.95% of the organic matter that was subjected to the process of bioethanol production. On that basis, it was concluded that only two-thirds of the organic matter was converted into bioethanol. The remaining part—post-production waste in the form of stillage—became a valuable raw material for the production of biogas, containing one-third of the biodegradable fraction. Under laboratory conditions, between 30.5 m3 (QU-I) and 35.6 m3 (QU-II) of biogas per 1 Mg of FM (FM—fresh matter) was obtained, while under operating conditions, between 29.2 m3 (QU-I) and 33.2 m3 (QU-II) of biogas was acquired from 1 Mg of FM. The Biochemical Methane Potential Correction Coefficient (BMPCC), which was calculated based on the authors’ formula, ranged from 3.2% to 7.4% in the analysed biogas installation. Full article
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26 pages, 5410 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Pressure-Thermal Agglomeration Methods of Corn Bran on Their Selected Physicochemical Properties and Biogas Efficiency
by Karol Kupryaniuk, Agnieszka Wójtowicz, Jakub Mazurkiewicz, Tomasz Słowik and Arkadiusz Matwijczuk
Energies 2021, 14(21), 6997; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14216997 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
The article presents the research made on the effects of methods of pressure-thermal agglomeration of corn bran, as well as the influence of processing parameters on selected physicochemical properties and biogas efficiency. Corn bran moistened to four levels of moisture content was used [...] Read more.
The article presents the research made on the effects of methods of pressure-thermal agglomeration of corn bran, as well as the influence of processing parameters on selected physicochemical properties and biogas efficiency. Corn bran moistened to four levels of moisture content was used for the tests: 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of dry matter. The pressure-thermal treatment was carried out with the use of a Brikol SJ25 pellet maker and a TS-45 single-screw extruder. In the tests of the extrusion-cooking process, three rotational speeds of the extruder screw were applied: 70, 90 and 110 rpm. The following characteristics were examined: efficiency of the extrusion-cooking and pelleting process, as well as the energy consumption. The water absorption index (WAI), the water solubility index (WSI), bulk density, kinetic strength, structure analysis by the ART/FTIR method, energy potential and the efficiency of cumulated biogas and cumulated methane per dry mass, as well as fresh mass and fresh organic matter and a series of microscopic pictures were completed. The analysis of the ATR/FTIR infrared spectra of the tested pelleted and extruded samples showed clear changes at the molecular level. Biogas production of extruded corn bran increased by several percent, as compared to untreated material. Full article
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8 pages, 1867 KiB  
Article
Solid Fraction of Digestate from Biogas Plant as a Material for Pellets Production
by Wojciech Czekała
Energies 2021, 14(16), 5034; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165034 - 17 Aug 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2497
Abstract
One of the anaerobic digestion process products in an agricultural biogas plant is digestate (digested pulp). Large quantities of digestate generated in the process of biogas production all over the world require proper management. Fertilization is the main management of this substrate, so [...] Read more.
One of the anaerobic digestion process products in an agricultural biogas plant is digestate (digested pulp). Large quantities of digestate generated in the process of biogas production all over the world require proper management. Fertilization is the main management of this substrate, so it is essential to look for new alternatives. The work aims to determine and discuss the possibilities of using digestate solid fraction (DSF) for pellets as biofuel production. Pellets from DSF alone and pellets with sawdust, grain straw additives were analyzed. The lower heating value (LHV) based on the dry matter for all analyzed pellets ranged from 19,164 kJ∙kg−1 to 19,879 kJ∙kg−1. The ash content was similar for all four samples and ranged from 3.62% to 5.23%. This value is relatively high, which is related to the degree of fermentation in the anaerobic digestion process. The results showed that the DSF substrate after the anaerobic digestion process still has energy potential. Analyzing those results, it seems that DSF can be a highly valuable substrate for solid biofuels production. Full article
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22 pages, 32465 KiB  
Article
Silica/Lignin Carrier as a Factor Increasing the Process Performance and Genetic Diversity of Microbial Communities in Laboratory-Scale Anaerobic Digesters
by Agnieszka A. Pilarska, Agnieszka Wolna-Maruwka, Alicja Niewiadomska, Krzysztof Pilarski, Mariusz Adamski, Aleksandra Grzyb, Jarosław Grządziel and Anna Gałązka
Energies 2021, 14(15), 4429; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154429 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2069
Abstract
The article aims to present results of research on anaerobic digestion (AD) of waste wafers (WF-control) and co-substrate system–waste wafers and cheese (WFC-control), combined with digested sewage sludge, as inoculum. The purpose of this paper is to confirm the outcome of adding silica/lignin [...] Read more.
The article aims to present results of research on anaerobic digestion (AD) of waste wafers (WF-control) and co-substrate system–waste wafers and cheese (WFC-control), combined with digested sewage sludge, as inoculum. The purpose of this paper is to confirm the outcome of adding silica/lignin (S/L; 4:1) material, as a microbial carrier, on the process performance and genetic diversity of microbial communities. The experiment was conducted in a laboratory under mesophilic conditions, in a periodical operation mode of bioreactors. Selected physicochemical parameters of the tested carrier, along with the microstructure and thermal stability, were determined. Substrates, batches and fermenting slurries were subjected to standard parameter analysis. As part of the conducted analysis, samples of fermented food were also tested for total bacterial count, dehydrogenase activity. Additionally, DNA extraction and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were carried out. As a result of the conducted study, an increase in the volume of produced biogas was recorded for samples fermented with S/L carrier: in the case of WF + S/L by 18.18% to a cumulative biogas yield of 833.35 m3 Mg−1 VS, and in the case of WFC + S/L by 17.49% to a yield of 950.64 m3 Mg−1 VS. The largest total bacterial count, during the process of dehydrogenase activity, was maintained in the WFC + S/L system. The largest bacterial biodiversity was recorded in samples fermented with the addition of cheese, both in the case of the control variant and in the variant when the carrier was used. In contrast, three phyla of bacteria Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria predominated in all experimental facilities. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

23 pages, 1720 KiB  
Review
Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste—A Short Review
by Agnieszka A. Pilarska, Tomasz Kulupa, Adrianna Kubiak, Agnieszka Wolna-Maruwka, Krzysztof Pilarski and Alicja Niewiadomska
Energies 2023, 16(15), 5742; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16155742 - 01 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2323
Abstract
In recent years, growing environmental awareness, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the energy crisis have led many countries to seek alternative energy sources. One of the most promising solutions is biogas production via anaerobic digestion (AD), whose substrate can be [...] Read more.
In recent years, growing environmental awareness, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the energy crisis have led many countries to seek alternative energy sources. One of the most promising solutions is biogas production via anaerobic digestion (AD), whose substrate can be organic-rich and easily biodegradable food waste (FW). This waste is a significant part of the global waste problem, and its use for energy production is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. This paper presents important issues concerning the monitoring of the AD process, as well as standard and innovative, for the implementation of this process, technological solutions. The aim of the measures taken to optimise the process is to increase AD efficiency and obtain the highest possible methane content in biogas. Two approaches—pretreatment and anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD)—have been integral to the implementation of AD of food waste for years. They are presented in this paper based on a review of recent research developments. Pretreatment methods are discussed with particular emphasis on mechanical, chemical and biological methods. The AcoD of FW with different organic substrates has been extensively reviewed, as confirmed by numerous studies, where higher buffer capacity and optimum nutrient balance enhance the biogas/methane yields. Attention was also paid to the parameters, operating mode and configurations of anaerobic digesters, with a thorough analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each solution. The article concludes with a brief presentation of the development perspectives for the discussed FW management method and recommendations. Full article
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11 pages, 592 KiB  
Review
Biogas Plant Operation: Digestate as the Valuable Product
by Wojciech Czekała, Tomasz Jasiński, Mieczysław Grzelak, Kamil Witaszek and Jacek Dach
Energies 2022, 15(21), 8275; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218275 - 05 Nov 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5439
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential element in plant cultivation. Supplying the right amounts of nutrients allows plants to grow and develop. Due to the rising price of mineral fertilizers, other fertilizers and soil conditioners are growing in importance. One of these is the digestate [...] Read more.
Fertilization is an essential element in plant cultivation. Supplying the right amounts of nutrients allows plants to grow and develop. Due to the rising price of mineral fertilizers, other fertilizers and soil conditioners are growing in importance. One of these is the digestate produced in agricultural biogas plants. Due to its properties, the digestate can be used directly as a fertilizer. In this case, the effects of application can both change the soil environment and directly affect plant growth. Physical, biological, and thermal transformations can also produce products based on the digestate or its fractions, which can be successfully used for fertilizer purposes. Among other things, this paper discusses the production and use of composts, biocarbon, and/or fertilizer granules from the solid fraction of the digestate. Numerous scientific studies, including the authors’ own research in this article, indicate that digestate can be successfully used as fertilizer, both without processing and with selected methods of treatment. However, further research is needed—especially on the diversity of raw materials used for biogas production and their effects on the composition and performance of the digestate. In addition, research should continue on the processing of digestate into specific products, depending on the needs of soils and plants. Full article
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