Sažetak
Diversifying biogas feedstocks is a strategic approach towards sustainability as the EU attempts to deal
with climate change and ensure energy independence. The objective of this study was to investigate A.
donax, a perennial energy crop, and observe if it could be used as a substitute feedstock for continuous
anaerobic digestion. This research closely investigated the biogas production and parameters like CH4,
CO2, of A. donax from two feedstocks, A. donax and corn silage, and their mixtures in a continuous AD
during 136 days under mesophilic conditions at 39°C. The results showed a biogas methane production
from A. donax that are equivalent to those of corn silage; its high CH4 yield suggests that it has the
potential to be a viable and long-term substitute feedstock for the biogas production. The highest
biogas production was found to be from A. donax used as 100 % raw mateiral in AD reactor. The lowest
biogas potential was found to be the mixutre of A.donax and corn silage in ratio 2:1. However, a 1:2
mixture showed an interesting increase in the amount of methane, highlighting the significance of the
synergistic interaction between the feedstocks in the methane production. To determine the optimum
mixing ratios of corn silage and A. donax that optimize the generation of biogas and methane, additional
study needs to be done. It can be concluded that A. donax can be harvested in autumn, stored, and then
used as a substrate in biogas production which makes this invasive plant a valuable source of energy.
Ključne riječi
Arundo donax; biodegradability; biogas; biomethane