Effects of trace elements (Fe, Cu, Ni, Co and Mg) on biomethane production from paper mill wastewater

Abstract Trace elements have a significant effect on biochemical reactions and therefore the presence of optimum levels of trace elements is essential for bioreactor performances. In this study, the effects of five trace elements on biomethane production have been investigated. Experimental studies have been carried out with multiple batch reactors at 15 day HRT and mesophilic temperatures. The optimum concentrations for each of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Ni, Co and Mg were found as 5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 100 mg/L, respectively. Among tested trace elements, Cu was the one which provided the highest biomethane production. Cu addition was resulted in a 46 % increase in biomethane production followed by Co with 24 %. The biomethane production rate for these two trace elements was 191.70 and 110.77 ml CH4/g COD, respectively. Optimum levels for Ni, Fe and Mg increased biomethane production rate by approximately 14.3, 10 and 17 % compared to control groups, respectively. Because the exact amount of trace element requirement for each industry/reactor is different, specific case studies should be performed for each application. These results could be used as initial trace element concentrations for further continuous studies.