Abstract:
In the context of energy transition and sustainable waste management, this study aims to optimize the anaerobic digestion process of tomato residues, an abundant and biodegradable organic substrate. A scientific methodology based on a Box-Behnken experimental design combined with a two-factor interaction model (2FI) was adopted to rigorously assess the effect of three key variables: pH (6, 7, 8), dilution rate (0 / 25% / 50%), and volatile solids (TVS) ratio (0.16 / 0.33 / 0.5). Experimental results revealed that these parameters significantly influence biogas production. The best performance was observed at pH 6, a dilution rate of 25%, and a TVS ratio of 0.33. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed the validity of the proposed model and highlighted meaningful interactions between the studied factors. This work provides a better understanding of the optimal operational conditions for anaerobic digestion and offers a reliable predictive tool for future applications. The study represents a valuable contribution to the energetic recovery of organic waste, supporting the goals of circular economy and sustainable development.
