Application of Response Surface Analysis to Evaluate the Effect of Concentrations of Ammonia and Propionic Acid on Acetate-Utilizing Methanogenesis

Seung Gu Shin, Joonyeob Lee, Trong Hoan Do, Su In Kim and Seokhwan Hwang
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Seung Gu Shin: Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology, 33 Dongjin-ro, Jinju 52725, Gyeongnam, Korea
Joonyeob Lee: Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 37673, Gyeongbuk, Korea
Trong Hoan Do: Vietnam Country Office, SEA Regional Program, 13th floor, HCMCC Tower, 249A Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
Su In Kim: Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 37673, Gyeongbuk, Korea
Seokhwan Hwang: Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang 37673, Gyeongbuk, Korea

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-13

Abstract: Ammonia and propionate are known inhibitors of anaerobic methanogenesis at higher concentrations, and are likely to coexist in digesters treating high-strength wastewater. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effects of ammonia and propionate on acetate-utilizing methanogenesis when they coexist. Response surface analysis with face-centered central composite design was used to explore the total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) level of 2–5 g/L and the propionate level of 2–8 g/L in acetate-fed batch incubation. Two models were successfully derived to estimate the lag period and the methane yield in response to the concentrations of the two chemicals. The lag period was affected by both inhibitors, with clues obtained of a synergistic effect at a higher concentration rage ([TAN] > 3.5 g/L and [propionate] > 5 g/L). The methane yield was also affected by the two inhibitors; between the two, it was more significantly dependent on the TAN concentration than on the propionate concentration. Real-time PCR showed that Methanosarcinaceae was the major methanogen group in this system. The results of this study improve our understanding of the inhibition of biogas reactors.

Keywords: anaerobic digestion; inhibition; response surface analysis; real-time PCR (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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