ABSTRACT
This chapter studies the feasibility of the anaerobic treatment of tequila-vinasse using laboratory-scale Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors under different operating conditions. Biogas production was measured using a water displacement gas meter and composition of biogas was analysed using gas chromatography. In order to avoid acidification in UASB 1, influent pH was adjusted for a short period when a different batch of raw vinasse was fed. However, the alkalinity of UASB 1 remained stable without exogenous addition of bicarbonates and indicate that effluent bicarbonate alkalinity might be sufficient to buffer the pH of the influent. Recycling of effluent eliminates the need for exogenous addition of bicarbonate to the reactor. Performance data indicate that undiluted tequila-vinasse was easily biodegradable with UASB system with 3.0 days of hydraulic retention time. A UASB system coupled with appropriate post treatment could yield higher disposable effluent quality standards.
