Sargassum-pig manure co-digestion synergistic effect on biochemical methane potential

Abstract

The accumulation of sargassum on the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean is a problem that affects various sectors of the population, in terms of health and the economy. Once it has been collected, it is necessary to take measures so that its disposal does not generate more negative environmental effects. Anaerobic digestion represents an alternative use of this biomass. The objective of this study was to elucidate the feasibility of using Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans in co-digestion with pig manure. Five treatments were carried out with different substrate ratios (100S-0PM, 65S-35PM, 50S-50PM, 30S-70PM and 0S-100PM). The results showed a significant synergistic effect improving BMP from 79.5 to 160.4% with respect to mono-digestions. The highest BMP was 441.47 mL CH4∙g -1 VSFed, which corresponds to 50S-50PM treatment having a C:N ratio of 16.8. Results of this study demonstrated that co-digestion of sargassum biomass with pig manure increased the methane yield.