DA VINHAÇA AO BIOGÁS: AVALIAÇÃO DO SEU POTENCIAL ENERGÉTICO EM TRÊS NÍVEIS DE DILUIÇÃO

Abstract

Vinasse is one of the main liquid wastes generated in the sugarcane and ethanol industry, characterized by its high organic load and polluting potential. On the other hand, it presents a promising substrate for anaerobic digestion, enabling the generation of biogas and contributing to the energy recovery of agro-industrial waste. This study aimed to evaluate biogas production from sugarcane vinasse on a laboratory scale, analyzing different inoculum proportions and three pH conditions 6, 7, and 8. Tests were conducted in experimental biodigesters, monitored by attached balloons to verify gas generation. The physicochemical characterization of the vinasse confirmed its viability as a substrate, while practical tests showed greater evidence of production in biodigesters maintained at pH 8. However, balloon ruptures compromised continued monitoring, resulting in inconclusive data on biogas yield and composition. Even given these limitations, the study reinforces the potential of vinasse as a raw material for renewable energy generation, highlighting the importance of pH control for process stability and the need for improvements in experimental infrastructure. The study concludes that anaerobic digestion can represent a sustainable alternative for the sugar and ethanol industry, contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts and the energy recovery of industrial waste.