16S rRNA sequencing of pre-treated sludge samples and filter cake for methane and hydrogen production
The increasing global interest in bioenergy, largely fueled by mounting environmental apprehensions, underscores the vast potential of biogas, especially in the context of methane (CH4) recovery. However, amidst the growing recognition of biogas as a valuable energy source, attention has increasingly turned towards maximizing its potential. One avenue that has garnered considerable interest is the extraction of hydrogen (H2) from biogas. H2, when obtained from biogas through dark fermentation offers more calorific power than CH4 and versatile applications (industry, transportation, electricity). However, it is necessary to pre-treat the inoculum to obtain H2 through dark fermentation. As several studies have been conducted using vinasse and filter cake (residues from sugarcane ethanol production) for CH4 production, this study aimed to explore these residues as substrates for obtaining H2 as well as follow for two-stage operation to obtain CH4. It also aimed to test different inoculum pre-treatments: acid, thermal, and alkaline, while also promoting the molecular study of changes in microbial communities with the pre-treatment alteration