Comparing Hydrogen Generation and Crude Glycerol Consumption via Anaerobic Fermentation Using a Mixture of Anaerobic Sludge and Grease Trap Sludge
Author
Sherwood, Griffin JamesIssue Date
2023Advisor
Cuello, Joel
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The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
In a search for viable renewable fuels, biodiesel has become a popular alternative todiesel fuel, but its production also creates crude glycerol as a co-product, which has limited commercial value and can be hazardous to the environment. Through anaerobic fermentation of crude glycerol using sludge rich in bacteria, hydrogen gas, one of the most energy dense sources of fuel, can be generated. The goal of this research was to evaluate the yield of hydrogen gas and consumption of glycerol from the anaerobic fermentation of crude glycerol in a continuously stirred tank reactor operated in batch mode with a 500 mL working volume. As inoculum, this study used varying ratios of sludge rich in anaerobic bacteria, namely anaerobic sludge from a wastewater treatment plant and grease trap sludge from grease interceptors. These two sludge types were added at varying ratios to the bioreactor setup along with crude glycerol from biodiesel production and distilled water. The mixture fermented for 72 hours, and the resulting hydrogen gas yield and glycerol consumption was evaluated. With a low yield of a maximum of 0.006 mol H2/mol glycerol, the results concluded that the proportion of anaerobic sludge to grease trap sludge had no significant effect on hydrogen production but did affect glycerol consumption with higher levels of anaerobic sludge correlating to higher glycerol consumption.Type
Electronic Thesistext
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeAgricultural & Biosystems Engineering