Improvement of biogas production from vinasse via covalently immobilized methanogens

Improvement of biogas production was realized by covalent immobilization of a methanogenic consortium onto a granulated polymeric support [poly(acrylonitrile-acrylamide)]. The growth kinetics of the immobilized consortium was investigated during a process of vinasse methanation, and a cell concentration increase from 12.3 mgg−1 support to 52.1 mgg−1 support was established. The methane yield reached 0.33 m3 kg−1 CODr, the maximum yield on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal being 92%. The inhibitory effect of oxygen was reduced by immobilizing the methanogenic consortium.