Thermophilic two-phase anaerobic digestion using an innovative fixed-bed reactor for enhanced organic matter removal and bioenergy recovery from sugarcane vinasse
An innovative fixed-film anaerobic reactor was applied to sugarcane vinasse. Stable operation was observed for OLRs as high as 30 kg COD m−3 day−1. Propionate buildup did not impact the stability of the structured-bed reactor. Enhanced bioenergy recovery was estimated from biodigestion with phase separation. Energy extraction was over 20% higher compared to single-phase systems.