Abordagem exploratória de critérios de produtividade de biometano em usina sucroalcooleira

Abstract

The valorization of industrial waste and the need to diversify the energy matrix position biogas as a strategic alternative in the sugar and ethanol sector. This work presents an exploratory approach to performance criteria for biomethane production in covered lagoon biodigesters at a sugar and ethanol plant, with the objective of initially investigating the possible causes of the increase in productivity observed in the 2024 harvest compared to 2023. The study focused on understanding the factors associated with the phenomenon, aiming to contribute with information that helps maintain high productivity and prevent possible future declines. Daily operational data of the plant were analyzed, including specific methane productivity, methane content in biogas, FOS/TAC, pH, temperature, and feed. The methodology adopted included outlier removal, graphical visualization, descriptive analysis, and application of statistical tests such as T and U tests in Python with a significance level of 5%, in addition to complementary analyses of biochemical methane potential (BMP), alkalinity, and microbiological evaluation by sequencing the 16S gene. The results confirmed an increase in specific methane productivity from 354 to 404 Nm³ CH4/tMO and an increase in the average methane content in biogas from 58% to 60%. Greater operational stability was also observed in the 2024 harvest, with a reduction and stabilization of the FOS/TAC ratio and changes in the microbiota, which have not yet been justified. This work represents the beginning of a broader investigation into the process, limited to the exploratory study of initial hypotheses and opening space for future research that deepens the analysis of chemical, microbiological, and operational variables with a greater volume of data and collection frequency.