First step towards a fast analytical method for the determination of Biochemical Methane Potential of solid wastes by near infrared spectroscopy

This study investigates the use of near infrared spectroscopy to predict the Biochemical Methane Potential value of municipal solid waste. Near infrared spectroscopy has the advantage to be very fast and applicable to solid waste with a light sample preparation. Satisfying results were obtained: R2 = 0.76; Standard Error of Prediction = 28 ml CH4 g−1 VS, that compare very favourably with reported results for other more expensive and more time-consuming methods. To our knowledge, it is the first time near infrared spectroscopy is used to predict the Biochemical Methane Potential value. Using near infrared spectroscopy for waste management would thus lead to a real benefit from an industrial point of view.