An OxiTop^® protocol for screening plant material for its biochemical methane potential (BMP)

A protocol was developed for determining the biochemical methane potential (BMP) of plant material using the OxiTop^® system. NaOH pellets for CO₂ absorption and different pretreatment methods were tested for their influence in the BMP test. The use of NaOH pellets in the headspace of the bottle negatively affected the stability of the test increasing the pH and inhibiting methanization. Sample comminution increased the biodegradability of plant samples. Our results clearly indicate the importance of test conditions during the assessment of anaerobic biodegradability of plant material, considering BMP differences as high as 44% were found. Guidelines and recommendations are given for screening plant material suitable for anaerobic digestion using the OxiTop^® system.