LAPSE:2024.1716
Published Article

LAPSE:2024.1716
Microbial Biomass in Mesophilic and Thermophilic High-Rate Biodigestion of Sugarcane Vinasse: Similar in Quantity, Different in Composition
August 23, 2024
This study compared the behavior of the biomass in two fixed-film anaerobic reactors operated under equivalent organic loading rates but at different temperatures, i.e., 30 °C (RMM) and 55 °C (RMT). The reactors were fed with sugarcane vinasse and molasses (both fermented) in a simulation of sequential periods of season and off-season. The dynamics of biomass growth and retention, as well as the microbial composition, were assessed throughout 171 days of continuous operation, coupled with an additional 10-day test assessing the microbial activity in the bed region. Despite the different inoculum sources used (mesophilic granular vs. thermophilic flocculent sludge types), the biomass growth yield was identical (0.036−0.038 g VSS g−1COD) in both systems. The retention rates (higher in RMT) were regulated according to the initial amount of biomass provided in the inoculation, resulting in similar amounts of total retained biomass (46.8 vs. 43.3 g VSS in RMT and RMM) and biomass distribution patterns (30−35% in the feeding zone) at the end of the operation. Meanwhile, hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis mediated by Methanothermobacter coupled to syntrophic acetate oxidation prevailed in RMT, while the Methanosaeta-mediated acetoclastic pathway occurred in RMM. The results show that different anaerobic consortia can behave similarly in quantitative terms when subjected to equivalent organic loads, regardless of the prevailing methane-producing pathway. The community grows and reaches a balance (or a given cell activity level) defined by the amount of substrate available for conversion. In other words, while the metabolic pathway may differ, the endpoint (the amount of biomass) remains the same if operational stability is maintained.
Record ID
Keywords
16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, AnSTBR, biomass growth yield, specific organic loading rate, two-stage biodigestion, vinasse management
Subject
Suggested Citation
Fuess LT, de Araujo MN, Saia FT, Gregoracci GB, Zaiat M, Lens PNL. Microbial Biomass in Mesophilic and Thermophilic High-Rate Biodigestion of Sugarcane Vinasse: Similar in Quantity, Different in Composition. (2024). LAPSE:2024.1716
Author Affiliations
Fuess LT: Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. João Dagnone 1100, Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, São Paulo, Brazil; National University of Ireland Galway, University Rd, Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, [ORCID]
de Araujo MN: Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. João Dagnone 1100, Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Saia FT: Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Encruzilhada, Santos 11070-102, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Gregoracci GB: Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Encruzilhada, Santos 11070-102, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Zaiat M: Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. João Dagnone 1100, Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Lens PNL: National University of Ireland Galway, University Rd, Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
de Araujo MN: Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. João Dagnone 1100, Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Saia FT: Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Encruzilhada, Santos 11070-102, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Gregoracci GB: Institute of Marine Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Encruzilhada, Santos 11070-102, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Zaiat M: Biological Processes Laboratory, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, Av. João Dagnone 1100, Santa Angelina, São Carlos 13563-120, São Paulo, Brazil [ORCID]
Lens PNL: National University of Ireland Galway, University Rd, Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
Journal Name
Processes
Volume
12
Issue
7
First Page
1356
Year
2024
Publication Date
2024-06-29
ISSN
2227-9717
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: pr12071356, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2024.1716
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https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071356
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[v1] (Original Submission)
Aug 23, 2024
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Aug 23, 2024
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