Open Access

Armin Ishan Agha

• This thesis delves into the optimization of chitin-rich mealworm residue sourced from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn for the purpose of biogas production. The study focused on two types of mealworm residue, namely shell and frass, which represent the collected exoskeletons of the worms and the entirety of the residue from mealworm farming, respectively. Cellulase enzyme initiallyThis thesis delves into the optimization of chitin-rich mealworm residue sourced from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn for the purpose of biogas production. The study focused on two types of mealworm residue, namely shell and frass, which represent the collected exoskeletons of the worms and the entirety of the residue from mealworm farming, respectively. Cellulase enzyme initially enhanced biogas production significantly, showing promising results with a notable increase of up to 23% from shell waste and 30% from frass substrates. These findings underscore the potential of enzymatic interventions to augment biogas production from such substrates. Subsequently, the study sought to optimize the activity of chitinase enzyme to facilitate the degradation of chitin content present in the mealworm residue. However, the Chit36-TA chitinase enzyme, exhibited no activity on the shell waste. As a result, various pretreatment methods, encompassing enzymatic, mechanical, and thermal approaches, were explored to promote chitin degradation. Despite these efforts, none of the pretreatment methods yielded significant improvements in chitin degradation. This study underscores the complexities involved in enzymatic pretreatment strategies for chitin-rich waste materials. While cellulase showed promise in enhancing biogas production, the limited efficacy of chitinase highlights the need for further research to explore alternative methods for efficient chitin degradation. Such endeavors are crucial for unlocking the full potential of mealworm residue as a valuable substrate for biogas production, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of organic waste and renewable energy generation. Finally, the application of chitinase in the biogas reactor was evaluated, revealing no positive influence on biogas production from shell substrates.…