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Valorization of Distillery Stillage for Bioenergy Production: A Review

Author

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  • Magdalena Zielińska

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Bułkowska

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Wioleta Mikucka

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna St. 45G, 10-709 Olsztyn, Poland)

Abstract

In alcohol distilleries, the amount of distillery stillage generated can be up to 15 times larger than the amount of alcohol produced. The stillage has high concentrations of organics and nitrogen, a low pH, and a dark brown color. Currently, stillage is mainly used for soil fertilization. For this purpose, it requires thickening and is used seasonally, which creates storage problems and transport costs. To reduce environmental pollution, physicochemical and biological processes have been employed for the treatment of distillery stillage. However, according to bioeconomy principles, the stillage should be transformed into value-added products. Therefore, this review paper focuses on methods of stillage processing that enable energy recovery. Due to its high content of organic compounds, stillage is often used as a raw material for biogas production. Accordingly, anaerobic digestion of stillage is discussed, including an overview of the bioreactors used and the effects of operational parameters on organics removal and biogas production. The necessity of integrating anaerobic stillage treatment with other treatment processes is presented. As complex compounds that are present in the stillage (mainly polyphenols and melanoidin) are difficult to biodegrade and have antibacterial activities, the effect of their recovery on biogas production is described. Next, the possibility of converting distillery stillage to bioethanol and biohydrogen is presented. In addition, bioelectrochemical treatment of distillery stillage using microbial fuel cells is discussed. For all these treatment methods, current challenges and opportunities are given.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Zielińska & Katarzyna Bułkowska & Wioleta Mikucka, 2021. "Valorization of Distillery Stillage for Bioenergy Production: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:21:p:7235-:d:670899
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joanna K. Huertas & Lawrence Quipuzco & Amro Hassanein & Stephanie Lansing, 2020. "Comparing Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Efficiency in a Field-Scale Digester Using Microaeration and Iron Filters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Mohanakrishna, G. & Krishna Mohan, S. & Venkata Mohan, S., 2012. "Carbon based nanotubes and nanopowder as impregnated electrode structures for enhanced power generation: Evaluation with real field wastewater," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 31-37.
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    Cited by:

    1. Juan Camilo Solarte-Toro & Carlos Ariel Cardona Alzate, 2023. "Sustainability of Biorefineries: Challenges and Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-24, April.
    2. Agata Bartkowiak & Joanna Lemanowicz & Magdalena Rydlewska & Olga Drabińska & Karol Ewert, 2022. "Enzymatic Activity of Soil after Applications Distillery Stillage," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-14, April.

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