Influence of trace elements copper, iron and manganese in the generation of biogas from the vinasse treatment

Abstract

Environmental pollution, caused mainly by the consumption of fossil fuels and the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, is a growing problem with a direct impact on the quality of life of the population. Therefore, an alternative to meet the increase in world energy demand and reduce the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels is the use of biomass for the production of bioenergy, through conversion centers called "biorefineries". The sugar and alcohol sector stands out in Brazil, however, it generates a huge amount of residue from the production of sugar, molasses, and of wastewater from the production of ethanol, vinasse. For vinasse to be used in the fertigation, it is necessary to reduce the organic load through the biological treatment in anaerobic reactors, which have better efficiency of the digestion process depending on the amount of trace elements present. This research project of scientific initiation aims to establish relationships between the concentration of trace elements copper, iron and manganese in anaerobic reactors within the framework of the linked Thematic Project and its performance in the vinasse and molasses treatment in order to obtain a maximization of energy production in the form of biogas, which is of great importance and applicability in the current context to minimize environmental impacts. (AU)