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Potential of Wheat Straw for Biogas Production by Anaerobic Digestion in South Africa: A Review

Author

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  • Reckson Kamusoko

    (Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Physics, University of Fort Hare, Ring Road, Alice 5700, South Africa)

  • Patrick Mukumba

    (Faculty of Science and Agriculture, Department of Physics, University of Fort Hare, Ring Road, Alice 5700, South Africa)

Abstract

Wheat straw (WS) is a promising substrate for biogas production by anaerobic digestion (AD) due to its high carbohydrate content. An estimated 0.603 million t yr −1 of WS are generated from wheat production systems in South Africa. This is equivalent to an energy potential of 11 PJ. Despite this, WS is still undervalued as a bioenergy resource in South Africa due to its structural complexity and low nitrogen content. WS disposal methods, such as use in livestock bedding, burning and burying into the soil, inter alia, are not sustainable and may contribute to global warming and climate change. The commercialization of the AD of WS needs to be further developed and promoted. Pre-treatment (i.e., physical, chemical, biological and hybrid methods) and anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) are novel strategies that can support the conversion of WS into biogas and other value-added products. Current and future research should focus on optimizing pre-treatment and AcoD conditions towards industrialization of WS into valuable products. This paper focuses on the potential use of WS for biogas production in South Africa. The aim is to create information that will promote research and development, and encourage policy makers and stakeholders to participate and invest in WS biogas technology. Were WS biogas technology fully adopted, we believe that it would alleviate energy insecurity and environmental degradation, and sustain the livelihoods of citizens in South Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Reckson Kamusoko & Patrick Mukumba, 2024. "Potential of Wheat Straw for Biogas Production by Anaerobic Digestion in South Africa: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:18:p:4662-:d:1480895
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mancini, Gabriele & Papirio, Stefano & Lens, Piet N.L. & Esposito, Giovanni, 2018. "Increased biogas production from wheat straw by chemical pretreatments," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 608-614.
    2. Yasmine Ryma Ouahabi & Kenza Bensadok & Abdeldjalil Ouahabi, 2021. "Optimization of the Biomethane Production Process by Anaerobic Digestion of Wheat Straw Using Chemical Pretreatments Coupled with Ultrasonic Disintegration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-18, June.
    3. Chandra, R. & Takeuchi, H. & Hasegawa, T. & Kumar, R., 2012. "Improving biodegradability and biogas production of wheat straw substrates using sodium hydroxide and hydrothermal pretreatments," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 273-282.
    4. Barbora Jankovičová & Miroslav Hutňan & Marianna Nagy Czölderová & Kristína Hencelová & Zuzana Imreová, 2022. "Comparison of acid and alkaline pre-treatment of lignocellulosic materials for biogas production," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 68(4), pages 195-204.
    5. Ariunbaatar, Javkhlan & Panico, Antonio & Esposito, Giovanni & Pirozzi, Francesco & Lens, Piet N.L., 2014. "Pretreatment methods to enhance anaerobic digestion of organic solid waste," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 143-156.
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