Methane production from the energy valorization of biomass and agro-industrial waste: an experimental approach for the bioenergy development in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

This research evaluates methane production in the co-digestion process using anaerobic sludge and effluent from parboiled rice industries in southern Brazil, as well as canned peach waste employing a 2²-factorial design. As main results, the highest biogas generation index was equal to 97.6 mLCH₄ in the reactor with a 1.35 S/I ratio, during the initial 12 h of the experiment. R2 reactor produced 88.5 mLCH₄, with an S/I ratio of 1.7. Therefore, canned peach waste presents significant opportunities for the implementation of circular economy practices and the utilization of waste for energy production. By converting peach waste into bioenergy and biofuels through processes such as anaerobic digestion, industries can contribute to the decarbonization efforts and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, canned peach and rice industries can not only enhance their environmental performance but also contribute to the transition toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.