A Review on Start-Up Phase Optimization of Kitchen Waste Anaerobic Digestion

Abstract

Kitchen waste has been confirmed as an appropriate substrate for anaerobic digestion, although means of alleviating the difficulties and time-consuming nature of the start-up phase need to be further explored. Based on the mechanism of anaerobic digestion, we discuss the factors influencing the anaerobic start-up phase of kitchen waste. By controlling the temperature, pH, organic loading rate, inoculation ratio and other parameters, the high activity of methane-producing archaea and other bacteria can be intensified, thereby increasing the biogas yield. Furthermore, we introduce the methods of substrate pretreatment, operating condition optimization and conductive material addition. Finally, we put forward future perspectives and research gaps related to accelerating the start-up phase of anaerobic bioreactors utilized for kitchen waste biodegradation.

Digestate Quality Originating from Kitchen Waste

“…In turn, kitchen waste is generally defined as leftovers from kitchen activities, such as peels, rinds, and other scraps from food processing produced in households. The morphology of kitchen waste is more homogeneous and less seasonal than OFMSW, making it a suitable substrate for anaerobic digestion [2], with high certainty that there will be no shortage of feedstock.…”