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The Effect of Ammonia Toxicity on Methane Production of a Full-Scale Biogas Plant—An Estimation Method

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  • Sotirios D. Kalamaras

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Structures & Equipment, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Georgios Vitoulis

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Structures & Equipment, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Maria Lida Christou

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Structures & Equipment, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Themistoklis Sfetsas

    (Research, Analytical & Quality Control Laboratory, QLAB Private Company, GR-57008 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Spiridon Tziakas

    (Biogas Lagada S.A. Biogas Plant, Organic Waste Treatment & Electricity Generation, Plot 677 Kolchikou, GR-57200 Kolchiko Lagada, Greece)

  • Vassilios Fragos

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Structures & Equipment, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Petros Samaras

    (Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Geotechnical Sciences, International Hellenic University, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Thomas A. Kotsopoulos

    (Laboratory of Agricultural Structures & Equipment, Department of Hydraulics, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Ammonia accumulation in biogas plants reactors is becoming more frequently encountered, resulting in reduced methane (CH 4 ) production. Ammonia toxicity occurs when N-rich substrates represent a significant part of the biogas plant’s feedstock. The aim of this study was to develop an estimation method for the effect of ammonia toxicity on the CH 4 production of biogas plants. Two periods where a biogas plant operated at 3200 mg·L −1 (1st period) and 4400 mg·L −1 (2nd period) of ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + –N) were examined. Biomethane potentials (BMPs) of the individual substrates collected during these periods and of the mixture of substrates with the weight ratio used by the biogas plant under different ammonia levels (2000–5200 mg·L −1 NH 4 + –N) were determined. CH 4 production calculated from the substrates’ BMPs and the quantities used of each substrate by the biogas plant was compared with actual CH 4 production on-site. Biogas plant’s CH 4 production was 9.9% lower in the 1st and 20.3% in the 2nd period in comparison with the BMP calculated CH 4 production, of which 3% and 14% was due to ammonia toxicity, respectively. BMPs of the mixtures showed that the actual CH 4 reduction rate of the biogas plant could be approximately estimated by the ammonia concentrations levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Sotirios D. Kalamaras & Georgios Vitoulis & Maria Lida Christou & Themistoklis Sfetsas & Spiridon Tziakas & Vassilios Fragos & Petros Samaras & Thomas A. Kotsopoulos, 2021. "The Effect of Ammonia Toxicity on Methane Production of a Full-Scale Biogas Plant—An Estimation Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:16:p:5031-:d:615533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Antonios A. Lithourgidis & Vasileios K. Firfiris & Sotirios D. Kalamaras & Christos A. Tzenos & Christos N. Brozos & Thomas A. Kotsopoulos, 2023. "Energy Conservation in a Livestock Building Combined with a Renewable Energy Heating System towards CO 2 Emission Reduction: The Case Study of a Sheep Barn in North Greece," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-19, January.

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