The present study compared the performance of one and two stage mesophilic fermentation of the banana peel based on biogas yield and production rate, and overall energy recovery.
2. Materials and methods
2.1 Inoculum
Microbial seed used throughout the study was obtained from a full-scale up ow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating cassava wastewater (Eiamburapa Co., Ltd., Thailand). Coarse matter >0.5 mm diameter was removed by sieving and the granules were washed twice with tap water. The fine granules, used in the hydrogen fermentation were boiled at 100oC for 30 min to deactivate methanogens [10], while those without heat treatment were used in methane production stage.
2.2 Banana peel
Ripped banana peel was obtained from local banana processing store. It was rinsed with tap water and ground in a blender to particles of diameter approx. 0.5 mm. The food waste was adjusted to the desire concentration (g VS L-1) with distilled water.