Anaerobic Processes in Waste Treatment

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion is a biochemical conversion technology that can substantially destroy complex organic matter in wastes. When used in a fully engineered system, anaerobic digestion not only provides pollution prevention, but also allows for sustainable energy and nutrient recovery. As the technology continues to mature, anaerobic digestion is becoming a key method for both waste reduction and recovery of a renewable fuel and other valuable co-products. The main objective of this article is to provide an overview of the recent research on the anaerobic digestion of agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastes. Information of the recent development in anaerobic microbiology and mathematical modeling is also covered in the article. GeneralCelis-Garcia et al. (2004) evaluated the granular sludge and biofilm for their susceptibility to sulfide and dissolved oxygen. It was found that both sulfate reduction and methanogenesis in attached biomass exhibited a better tolerance to high concentrations of total sulfide and dissolved oxygen than those in granular sludge. The better performance of biofilm was attributed to the selective attachment of biomass. (2004) summarized the existing sludge treatment processes with a 1348 focus on the valuable use of organic carbon compounds as an energy source. Lahav and Morgan (2004) reviewed the titration measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and carbonate alkalinity concentrations for monitoring of anaerobic digestion processes. Jordao and Volschan (2004) summarized the cost-effective solutions, particularly chemical enhanced primary treatment and upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) process, for sewage treatment in Brazil. Angenent et al. (2004) reviewed the biological processing strategies that can produce bioenergy or biochemicals while treating industrial and agricultural wastewater. Yin et al. (2004) reviewed the dewaterability and the ultrasound pretreatment of bio-sludge. Yadvika et al. (2004) reviewed the different techniques that could be used to enhance the gas production rate from solid substrates. Rulkens (2004) presented a survey of the sludge treatment options that can eliminate the risks for environment and recover the valuable compounds in the sludge. Brief assessment was also given of the specific future technological development. Odegaard (2004) reviewed the sludge minimization technologies including mechanical, chemical, physical, and biological methods. Azbar et al. (2004) reviewed treatment and disposal alternatives of olive oil mill wastes. Rulkens and Biens

Impact of substrate overloading on archaeal populations in anaerobic digestion of animal waste

“…Animal waste generated from large-scale livestock operations has been a source of environmental pollution and public health risk, because the natural decomposition of animal waste releases large quantities of pathogens, excess nutrients, organic matter, solids, methane, ammonia and odourants into the environment (Jongbloed and Lenis 1998). Anaerobic digestion has been shown to be an effective technology to overcome these challenges (Chen and Cheng 2005). More recently, anaerobic codigestion of animal waste has been explored to enhance the economic feasibility of animal waste treatment (Mata-Alvarez et al 2011).…”