Investigating the potential of succulent plants to produce Volatile Fatty Acids Absalom
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Date
2024-03
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Abstract
This research investigates the anaerobic digestion of succulent biomass grown in Namibia, focusing on Portulacaria afra and Euphorbia mauritanica as feedstock, to elucidate the volatile fatty acid (VFA) production dynamics under varying pH and temperature conditions. Employing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for VFA analysis, a comprehensive methodology involved substrate and inoculum collection, arrested anaerobic digestion (AAD), and analytical procedures. A relationship between concentration and GC-MS response was established by the calibration curve for standard VFAs, enabling accurate quantification in unknown AD samples. In Portulacaria afra, the optimal condition of 37 °C and pH 4 generated an estimated maximum VFA concentration of approximately 0.25 g of VFAs/g of dry P. afra. Conversely, E. mauritanica, under the same conditions, yielded an estimated VFA concentration of around 0.22 g of VFAs/g of dry E. mauritanica. The findings delineate distinct temperature and pH-dependent trends in VFA production for each species, providing crucial insights into optimal conditions and facilitating the estimation of biomass-to-VFA conversion rates. The optimal conditions for VFA production from P. afra and E. mauritanica, as determined in this study, align with similar trends reported in recent research, yielding above 5 g/L VFAs concentration. This research significantly contributes valuable data for refining bio-economical strategies focusing on succulent biomass, with potential applications extending to biofuel production or other VFA-based bioproducts.
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Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Natural Resource Management at the Namibia University of Science and Technology
Keywords
Anaerobic digestion, Succulent biomass, Volatile fatty acids (VFAs), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Portulacaria afra, Euphorbia mauritanica
Citation
Shitalangaho, A. L. (2024). Investigating the potential of succulent plants to produce Volatile Fatty Acids Absalom [Unpublished masters thesis], Namibia University of Science and Technology.