Comparative biochemical methane potential of some varieties of residual banana biomass and renewable energy potential
(2017) Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery — Vol. 7, n° 2, p. 167-177 (2017)
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- The biochemical methane potential (BMP) of peduncles, bulbs, and peels of three banana varieties (Grande Naine (GN; export dessert banana), Pelipita (PPTA; locally used plantain), and CRBP969 (phytopathogen resistant hybrid-plantain)) was investigated as an assessment of the bioconversion potential of these residues to renewable energy or biorefined chemicals. Biogas production was monitored manometrically for 132 days and its composition was analyzed using gas chromatography. The BMP ranged from 162 to 257 ml_CH4/g_DM for peduncles, from 228 to 304 ml_CH4/g_DM for bulbs, and from 208 to 303 ml_CH4/g_DM for green peels, with methane content of the biogas in the range 56 to 60 %. Bulbs and green peels showed bioconversion yields of 95 % of the chemical oxygen demand (COD). The GN variety was generally more biodigestible than PPTA, which appeared richer in lignocellulosic fibres. The peels biodigestibility reduced with maturation and was already limited to 56 % of the COD at the yellow stage. The energy resource available in the residues of banana production is very significant, increasing by 91 % the energy resource offered by banana crop, which is generally limited to the nutritional value of the fruit pulp. In the study case of the African leading producer of bananas and plantains (Cameroon), the amount of available residues from the sole export variety GN could feed about 4 % of the annual electricity consumed by the country, i.e., a supply of electricity to an additional 9 × 105 people. Such valorization of the residual banana biomass could help banana-producing countries to become less dependent on fossil fuels and less prone to energy shortages.
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Awedem Wobiwo, F., Happi Emaga, T., Fokou, E., Boda, M., Gillet, S., Deleu, M., Richel, A., & Gerin, P. (2017). Comparative biochemical methane potential of some varieties of residual banana biomass and renewable energy potential. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 7(2), 167-177. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-016-0222-x (Original work published 2017)