A research on the determination of biochemical methane potential of different biomass resources

In this study, the theoretical and experimental biochemical methane potentials and biodegradation degrees of plant and animal-derived biomass residues, which are intensively produced in the Thrace region and used as feedstock in biogas facilities, were determined. Additionally, the specific energy value and energy conversion efficiencies of biogas obtained from these biomasses were also determined. Sunflower stalks, rice straw and husks, canola stalks were used as plant biomass residues, while cattle manure and boiler and egg chicken manure were used as animal biomass residues. The theoretical and experimental biomethane potentials and biodegradation degrees of the tested biomasses ranged from 0,335 to 0,472 Nm3CH4/kgVS, 0.051 to 0.308 Nm3CH4/kgVS, and 15.2% to 69,0%, respectively. The theoretical methane content in biogas was lower than the experimental methane content, with experimental methane contents ranging from 56,7% to 58,7%. Animal-derived biomass sources exhibited higher biochemical methane potentials. The theoretical and experimental specific energy values of biogas from these biomasses ranged from 12.3 to 17.3 MJ/kgVS, 1.9 to 11.3 MJ/kgVS, with energy conversion efficiencies ranging from 83,7% to 87,0% and 12.7% to 58,6%, respectively. It was concluded that, except for rice husks, the organic residues of the commonly produced biomass sources in the region could be readily utilized in biogas operations. Keywords: Biogas, Biomethane, Plant Residues, Cattle Manure, Chicken Manure, Biodegradation