Kinetic Analysis of Biogas Production from Brosimum alicastrum Seed Coat Pretreatment Using a Logistic Model

Methane production from Brosimum alicastrum seed coat was evaluated using a logistic model through three alkaline concentrations (0.19 M, 0.26 M, and 0.28 M) and three enzymatic activity levels (3000 U mL−1, 5000 U mL−1, and 7000 U mL−1) as pretreatments. Laccase was produced through submerged fermentation using T. hirsuta Bm-2 fungi, while NaOH served as the alkaline agent. Enzymatic pretreatment resulted in the highest specific CH4 yield (427.43 ± 2.28 mL CH4/g VSadded), surpassing both alkaline pretreatment (235.61 ± 9.19 mL CH4/g VSadded) and the control (102.54 ± 5.55 mL CH4/g VSadded). Kinetic analysis of CH4 production indicated that cumulative CH4 production reached its stationary phase within 30 days of digestion. Moreover, enzymatic pretreatment exhibited the highest CH4 formation rate (0.15–0.16 h−1), except for the control, which had a slightly higher rate (0.22 h−1). The kinetic analysis revealed that the enzymatic pretreatment significantly improved the hydrolysis stage of Ramon’s seed coat, promoting higher cumulative CH4 production and leading to an increased specific CH4 yield.