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Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Brewers’ Spent Grain from Craft Beer and Cattle Manure for Biogas Production

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  • Héctor Alfredo López-Aguilar

    (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31160, Mexico
    Department of Engineering, La Salle University Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31207, Mexico)

  • Antonino Pérez-Hernández

    (Department of Metallurgy and Structural Integrity, Center for Advanced Materials Research, Chihuahua 31136, Mexico)

  • Humberto Alejandro Monreal-Romero

    (Faculty of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31000, Mexico)

  • Claudia López Meléndez

    (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31160, Mexico
    Department of Engineering, La Salle University Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31207, Mexico)

  • María del Rosario Peralta-Pérez

    (Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, University Circuit S/N, Campus UACH II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico)

  • Francisco Javier Zavala-Díaz de la Serna

    (Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, University Circuit S/N, Campus UACH II, Chihuahua 31125, Mexico)

Abstract

The brewing industry generates significant organic waste, much of which remains underutilized despite its potential for energy recovery. This study assesses the feasibility of anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) using brewers’ spent grain (BSG) from the craft beer production process and cattle manure from feedlots. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed similar volatile solids content in both substrates, validating BSG as a viable feedstock. AcoD trials were conducted in 20 L biodigesters under dry and ambient conditions over 40 days. Methane yields reached 25 mL CH 4 gVS −1 at a 1:1 inoculum–substrate ratio fresh matter basis and 67.33 mL CH 4 gVS −1 at 2.5:1, indicating that higher inoculum levels enhance methane production. Kinetic modeling using Modified Gompertz, Logistic, and other microbial growth-based models showed that the Logistic model best represented the methane production trends. The detection of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas emphasizes the need for effective filtration. Overall, this work highlights AcoD as a promising approach for organic waste valorization and renewable energy generation in the craft brewing sector, supporting circular economy practices and contributing to environmental and economic sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Héctor Alfredo López-Aguilar & Antonino Pérez-Hernández & Humberto Alejandro Monreal-Romero & Claudia López Meléndez & María del Rosario Peralta-Pérez & Francisco Javier Zavala-Díaz de la Serna, 2025. "Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Brewers’ Spent Grain from Craft Beer and Cattle Manure for Biogas Production," World, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:3:p:118-:d:1739002
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    2. Ware, Aidan & Power, Niamh, 2017. "Modelling methane production kinetics of complex poultry slaughterhouse wastes using sigmoidal growth functions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 50-59.
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