EUBCE 2024 - Vuokko MALK - Birch Biochar Boost: Optimizing Biogas Production from Biowaste with Enhanced Hydrogen Sulphide Management

Birch Biochar Boost: Optimizing Biogas Production from Biowaste with Enhanced Hydrogen Sulphide Management

Short Introductive summary

The use of woody biochar can enhance methane production and aid in hydrogen sulfide removal in the biogas process. Its impact depends on characteristics like feedstock, and pyrolysis processing conditions like temperature. Laboratory experiments tested the effect of birch-based biochar on the biogas process. Experimental sets examined 1%, 5%, and 10% biochar additions relative to the mass of the biowaste. Biogas experiments were conducted in using 15-L pilot-scale batch reactors. Anaerobic digestion occurred under mesophilic conditions. Biochar quantity and quality is important. In the experimental sets, 1% addition of biochar slightly increased biogas production potential, while methane production potential remained nearly the same as with biowaste alone. The birch-based biochar tested in the experiments effectively removed hydrogen sulfide when directly mixed with the material to be digested. The amount of harmful hydrogen sulfide was reduced by up to one-third.

V. Malk, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, FINLAND
T. Saario, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, FINLAND
S. Jafari, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, FINLAND
H. Soininen, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Mikkeli, FINLAND
E. Keijsers, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen, THE NETHERLANDS