Seasonal variation of elements composition and biomethane in brown macroalgae

Abstract

To investigate the effect of seasonal variation on macroalgae biomass characteristics and its related energy content, four different algae species, two from the Fucales order (Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum), and two from the Laminariales order (Saccharina latissima and Alaria esculenta), were harvested during spring, summer, autumn and winter over one year. The biomethane potential and the elemental composition were determined for all samples. Both Fucales species showed low biodegradability (<30%) with methane yields consistently below 20 Nm3 per wet tonne. Laminariales species, however, allowed up to 80% biodegradation efficiency, with methane yields varying between 20 and 70 Nm3 per wet tonne depending on the harvesting season. For each of the four algae the biomass concentrations of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulphur, aluminium and iron was higher during spring/summer compared to autumn/winter. For heavy metals, variation was seen mainly for arsenic with higher values during autumn/winter. The highest values were observed for Laminariales (30–120 mg/kg total solids). Modelling the co-digestion of each algae with municipal wastewater sludge showed Laminariales species having the greatest potential as a profitable substrate for additional biomethane production generating up to 0.38 million Euro. However, seasonal variation could affect this expected income over 60% due to fluctuation in biomethane yields and biodegradability efficiency. Furthermore, the additional loading of cadmium and arsenic into the AD process suggested possible limitation for digestate utilisation in arable lands.