Potential Evaluation of Biogas Production and Upgrading Through Algae

Rameshprabu Ramaraj, Yuwalee Unpaprom ,Natthawud Dussadee

Algae are known to be a potential feedstock in the production of biogas. Many studies has been focused on microalgal species, macroalgae are also suitable as a source of rich protein, carbohydrate and lipids. In this study, a locally abundant (Chiang Mai Province, Thailand) and naturally grown filamentous algae, Spirogyra ellipsospora has been harvested from a slow running freshwater stream; subsequently biomass was dried with solar dryer, and the materials were pulverized for chemical composition analysis. The feasibility of utilizing macroalgae biomass as a monosubstrate for the biogas production was investigated. Results showed that the highest methane yield was reached 65 % without any pretreatment process. This study suggested that it is possible to achieve stable operation using S. ellipsospora, as a substrate for biogas production in pilot or large scale biogas plant. Therefore, S. ellipsospora as energy crop can be an alternative energy resource.