Biofuel Research Journal

Biofuel Research Journal

Cascading valorization of defatted rice bran for lactic acid fermentation and biogas production

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy e.V. (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, 14469 Potsdam, Germany.
2 Research Department of Food Science and Technology, Ionian University, Vergoti Avenue, Argostoli, 28100, Kefalonia, Greece.
Abstract
This study investigated the integrated valorization of defatted rice bran (DRB) by converting it into lactic acid (LA) and subsequently utilizing the residues from LA production for biomethane generation through anaerobic digestion (AD). Processing 480 kg of DRB resulted in the production of 70 L of pure LA and generated significant waste streams, primarily consisting of 572 kg of decanted hydrolysate pellet (Pellet DEC) and 220 kg of microfiltration retentate (Retentate MF). Exceptionally high methane yields of 374‒434 LN kgVS-1 were observed for residues from LA fermentation in biochemical methane potential tests, indicating their high potential for biogas production. During long-term semi-continuous AD, varying organic loading rates (OLRs) from 0.5‒2.5 kgVS m-3 d⁻¹ demonstrated feedstock- and OLR-dependent methane production. Reactor failure at higher OLRs was attributed to the accumulation of total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN). The co-digestion of Pellet DEC and Retentate MF proved to be more resilient, with OLRs up to 2 kgVS m-3 d-1, mitigating TAN inhibition. Methane yields, ranging from 265‒334 LN kgVS-1 before reaching inhibitory OLR levels, were higher than those found in the literature. Process integration has emerged as a promising approach because the biogas generated from residues could effectively offset the energy demands of LA production. Supported by life cycle assessment, the integrated processes showed a 67% lower environmental impact at the midpoint and a 71% lower environmental impact at the endpoint, along with an 80% reduction in energy costs compared to the standalone LA production. Results proved a significant enhancement of the sustainability and economic viability of this integrated biorefinery approach.

Graphical Abstract

Cascading valorization of defatted rice bran for lactic acid fermentation and biogas production

Highlights

  • Defatted rice bran was successfully converted into lactic acid and biogas.
  • Residues of lactic acid production showed high methane yields of up to 434 LN kgVS-1.
  • Co-digestion of major residues exhibited enhanced tolerance to ammonia inhibition.
  • The biogas generated can reduce 50% of the energy costs for lactic acid production.
  • A 67% reduction in environmental impact at the midpoint and 71% at the endpoint was achieved.

Keywords

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