Anaerobic Digestion of Agave sisalana: Existing Data, Trends, and Potential Applications

Abstract

The increasing global demand for renewable energy is driving the search for clean and sustainable sources, such as biogas obtained from the anaerobic digestion of waste, emerging as a promising alternative. This article aims to present an overview of the studies already developed on the anaerobic digestion of Agave sp. with a focus on the sisalana variety and possible applications of the generated biogas. The anaerobic digestion process consists of four stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, where microorganisms convert organic matter into biogas, mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Studies show that pretreatments, such as aerobic and fungal treatments, and co-digestion with other residues can increase the efficiency of the process. Biogas from Agave sisalana has several applications, including power generation injection into gas pipelines. Despite challenges such as the need for investment in infrastructure and technology, the anaerobic digestion of Agave sisalana presents significant potential for renewable energy production in Brazil, especially considering the increasing demand for green energy.