Application of Methane Fermentation Technology for Waste Water Treatment

Abstract

The methane fermentation is known as the useful technology for the waste water treatment. The technology has some advantages, such as the energy recovery of biogas from organic compounds in waste water and the lower sludge generation compared to the aerobic treatment. After the improvement of treatment efficiency with UASB method, this technology has been used by various kinds of industries including food production, while in the paper industry, it has been introduced mainly in Europe.Nippon Paper Industries has launched the waste water treatment facilities with the methane fermentation technology at Yufutsu mill and Iwakuni mill, in２ ０ ０ ４and２ ０ ０ ５respectively. These facilities have been utilized for the treatment of condensate from black liquor, for the first time in Japan.