Sugarcane scum (SCS) is a waste from the non-centrifugal cane sugar making process. Due to its physicochemical characteristics, it has a high-energy potential to produce biomethane via anaerobic digestion (AD). However, (i) the total solids concentration in the SCS exceeds the limit for wet digestion and (ii) the SCS has a low pH. The aim of this research was to evaluate the utilization capacity of the SCS for methane production through a biochemical methane potential test and extent of disintegration, using dilution pretreatment. The highest methane yield, 0.227 N m3 CH4 kg-1 VS, was achieved at a 12.5% SCS dilution, with an organic matter removal greater than 70% and an extent of disintegration of 34.5%. This is evidence that the AD process is a feasible alternative for SCS treatment.
Keywords: Anaerobic digestion; Biochemical methane potential; Dilution pretreatment; Non-centrifugal cane sugar; Sugarcane scum.
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