The Effects of Alkaline Pretreatment Parameters on Anaerobic Biogasification of Corn Stover

The effects of the treatment of corn stover with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on its digestibility and biogas production was studied varying the initial stover-treatment time (3 days and 6 days), temperature (10, 20, 30, and 50 degrees C), and moisture level (50, 75, 85, and 90%). The degradation rates of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin increased with the increasing treatment time, temperature, and moisture content. The highest biogas and methane yield were 420.6 and 233.0 mL/g VS achieved by the stovers treated at 20 degrees C and moisture level of 90% for 3 days. The results showed that the ambient temperature (20 degrees C), moisture level of 90%, and three days pretreatment could be recommended.