초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The conventional methods for biofuel production provide a clean and renewable approach for bioenergy generation. However, the efficiency of these processes is still too low to compete with the existing technologies. Integrated bioprocesses could help in improving the overall yield and cost-effectiveness of the process. The present study deals with the evaluation of process efficiency in single, two and three-stage operation of dark fermentation, biomethanation and microbial fuels cells for recovering maximum energy from the invasive aquatic plant, water hyacinth. The merits and demerits of each process operated individually or in combination were evaluated. The results showed the integrated three-stage process yielded maximum energy recovery of 60% in the form of hydrogen, methane, and electricity with an overall COD removal of 94%. The present research work thus highlights the possibility of integrated hydrogen or methane-based biorefinery approach for the recovery of bioenergy from biomass.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Energy recovery from water hyacinth biomass using different processes. </LI> <LI> Comparison of the single stage, two stage and three stage anaerobic processes. </LI> <LI> Overall evaluation of input and output energy and charge flow. </LI> <LI> An insight into the single stage vs. integrated bioenergy systems. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>