Renewable Energy, Vol.127, 705-712, 2018
Anaerobic digestion of black solider fly larvae (BSFL) biomass as part of an integrated biorefinery
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) have been used in a variety of applications including composting, animal feed and biodiesel production. This paper presents the results of bio-methane potential (BMP) assays for BSFL biomass according to several hypothetical biorefinery pathways. The mean biomethane potential (BMP) of BSFL was 671 mL CH4/g VS, while mean BMP of lipid extracted BSFL (LE-BSFL) was 334 mL CH4/g VS. Mean BMP of adult flies and chitinous cuticle were 570 and 343 mL CH4/g VS, respectively. The impact of BSFL diet on bio-methane potential and the biomethane potential of BSFL residue was also investigated. This study suggests that anaerobic digestion of BSFL has potential as part of an integrated energy and waste management solution. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.