Prediction of biochemical methane potential of urban organic waste using Fourier transform mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy and multivariate analysis

Biochemical methane potential (BMP) assays are widely used to assess feedsocks in oder to control the process of biogas production. However, the continuous evaluation of feedstocks using a BMP assay is expensive, timeconsuming and challenging. In this study, Fourier transform mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIRPAS) was used to predict the BMP values of 87 urban organic waste (UOW) samples derived from different sources in Denmark. The developed model of BMP prediction showed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.86 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 59.3 mL CH4/g VS in prediction. The interpretation of the regression coefficients used in the calibration showed a positive correlation with BMP for relatively easily degradable compounds, such as aliphatics, most likely lipids and amides most likely in proteins, while a negative correlation was found with lignin and hemicellulose. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Superscript/Subscript Available

Automated summary

In this study, FTIRPAS was successfully used to predict the BMP values of urban organic waste samples from different sources in Denmark, showing high prediction accuracy. The results indicated a positive correlation with relatively easily degradable compounds, and a negative correlation with lignin and hemicellulose.