Determination of Kinetic Parameters in Anaerobic Digestion Process Using Distillery Wastes – A Mathematical Approach

Biodegradation offers an eco-friendly option for disposal of waste coming from different breweries and wineries. A model-based analysis through rigorous experimentation has been accomplished to study different aspects of the biodegradation of distillery wastes. Using distillery waste as resource material, energy is derived in the form of biogas containing high percentage of methane which is produced by concerted action of various groups of anaerobic bacteria. The effect of process parameters such as B.O.D. loading, digestion temperature, stirrer speed and cell mass concentration are very much important for biomethanation process. On the other hand kinetic parameters such as maximum specific growth rate, kinetic constant and ultimate methane yield take the leading role in the production of biogas adopting biomethanation process. By computer analysis of the experimental data model equations relating maximum specific growth rate with digestion temperatures and B.O.D. loading has been developed. Also kinetic constants have been correlated with digestion temperatures and B.O.D. loading.