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U.S. Department of Energy
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Methane production from aquatic biomass by anaerobic digestion of giant brown kelp

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6643577
The results of experimental work performed with laboratory digesters to study the anaerobic digestion of California giant brown kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) are described. Energy recoveries as methane up to about 65% of the substrate energy content have been obtained. At these efficiency levels, the substrate sustained enriched anaerobic cultures over extended periods without the addition of external nutrients. Carbon, energy, and component balances for a selected run were calculated and the relative biodegradabilities of the organics were estimated. Biomass species from the ocean are potentially large sources of methane that can help alleviate the natural gas shortage.
Research Organization:
Institute of Gas Technology, Chicago, IL (USA)
OSTI ID:
6643577
Report Number(s):
CONF-780305-21
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English