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Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research
Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA
ISSN: 0718-5820
EISSN: 0718-5820
Vol. 71, No. 3, 2011, pp. 469-475
Bioline Code: cj11059
Full paper language: English
Document type: Review Article
Document available free of charge

Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 71, No. 3, 2011, pp. 469-475

 en RESIDUAL GLYCEROL FROM BIODIESEL MANUFACTURING, WASTE OR POTENTIAL SOURCE OF BIOENERGY: A REVIEW
Santibáñez, Claudia; Varnero, María Teresa & Bustamante, Mauricio

Abstract

This review provides a summary of the research conducted on the use of crude glycerol, the major byproduct of the biodiesel industry, as substrate for anaerobic co-digestion and production of biogas. In general, for every 100 kg biodiesel produced, approximately 10 kg crude glycerol is generated. Because this glycerol is expensive to purify for use in food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industries, biodiesel producers must seek alternative methods for its disposal. Several studies have demonstrated that the use of crude glycerol as a C source for fermentation and biogas generation is a promising alternative use for this waste material. The high C content of glycerol increases the C:N ratio in the mixture, avoiding the inhibition of the process by the excess of N increasing methane production of digesters by 50 to 200%. Anaerobic codigestion of glycerol and a variety of residual biomasses may be a good integrated solution for managing these wastes and simultaneously producing a source of bioenergy in an environmentally friendly way. On the other hand, after anaerobic treatment of glycerol, an organic matter-rich solid waste is generated (digestate). The incorporation of digestates from glycerol co-digestion to soils constitutes an important source of organic matter and nutrients for plants. However, the potential of digestates as an organic soil amendment has not been sufficiently studied. The utilization of glycerol as a potential source of energy, rather than as a waste, seems to be a convenient way of lowering the costs of biodiesel production and making this emerging industry more competitive.

Keywords
Anaerobic co-digestion, glycerol, biogas, biodiesel, digestate

 
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