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Optimization of Straw Particle Size for Enhanced Biogas Production: A Comparative Study of Wheat and Rapeseed Straw

Author

Listed:
  • Kamil Witaszek

    (Department of Biosystems Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland)

  • Karol Kupryaniuk

    (Department of Biosystems Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland)

  • Jakub Kupryaniuk

    (Department of Economics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland)

  • Julia Panasiewicz

    (Department of Law and Administration, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland)

  • Wojciech Czekała

    (Department of Biosystems Engineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 50, 60-627 Poznań, Poland)

Abstract

Biogas production from lignocellulosic biomass, such as wheat and rapeseed straw, is an essential strategy for sustainable energy generation. However, the efficiency of anaerobic digestion depends on the physical characteristics of the substrate, particularly the particle size, which influences microbial accessibility and biogas yield. This study aims to optimize straw particle size for enhanced methane production by evaluating different fractionation levels. The straw was processed using a hammer mill and separated into three size fractions (2.4 mm, 1 mm) alongside non-separated and finely ground (2 mm) samples. The chemical composition was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and key parameters such as pH, dry matter (DM), and organic dry matter (ODM) were assessed. The results indicated that rapeseed straw had lower pH (6.05) and DM than wheat straw (7.01). Biogas yield analysis demonstrated that methane production varied with particle size. For rapeseed straw, non-separated samples achieved the highest methane yield (132.87 m 3 Mg⁻ 1 ), whereas for wheat straw, methane yield decreased with increased fragmentation, with the highest yield observed for non-separated material (206.65 m 3 Mg⁻ 1 ). The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio was highest in rapeseed straw (153.82), potentially limiting microbial activity, while finer fractions had more balanced ratios. These findings highlight the importance of mechanical pretreatment in optimizing biogas production and provide insights into improving the efficiency of straw-based anaerobic digestion systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Kamil Witaszek & Karol Kupryaniuk & Jakub Kupryaniuk & Julia Panasiewicz & Wojciech Czekała, 2025. "Optimization of Straw Particle Size for Enhanced Biogas Production: A Comparative Study of Wheat and Rapeseed Straw," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1794-:d:1626998
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kamil Witaszek & Marcin Herkowiak & Agnieszka A. Pilarska & Wojciech Czekała, 2022. "Methods of Handling the Cup Plant ( Silphium perfoliatum L.) for Energy Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Krzysztof Pilarski & Agnieszka A. Pilarska & Piotr Boniecki & Gniewko Niedbała & Kamil Witaszek & Magdalena Piekutowska & Małgorzata Idzior-Haufa & Agnieszka Wawrzyniak, 2021. "Degree of Biomass Conversion in the Integrated Production of Bioethanol and Biogas," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Momoh, O.L.Y. & Ouki, S., 2018. "Development of a novel fractal-like kinetic model for elucidating the effect of particle size on the mechanism of hydrolysis and biogas yield from ligno-cellulosic biomass," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 71-83.
    4. Jakub Mazurkiewicz, 2023. "Loss of Energy and Economic Potential of a Biogas Plant Fed with Cow Manure due to Storage Time," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-22, September.
    5. Piotr Sołowiej & Patrycja Pochwatka & Agnieszka Wawrzyniak & Krzysztof Łapiński & Andrzej Lewicki & Jacek Dach, 2021. "The Effect of Heat Removal during Thermophilic Phase on Energetic Aspects of Biowaste Composting Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-14, February.
    6. Czekała, Wojciech & Frankowski, Jakub & Sieracka, Dominika & Pochwatka, Patrycja & Kowalczyk-Juśko, Alina & Witaszek, Kamil & Dudnyk, Alla & Zielińska, Aleksandra & Wisła-Świder, Anna & Dach, Jacek, 2025. "The energy efficiency analysis of sorghum waste biomass grown in a temperate climate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
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