Maximizing Bio-Hydrogen and Energy Yields Obtained in a Self-Fermented Anaerobic Bioreactor by Screening of Different Sewage Sludge Pretreatment Methods

Abstract

Egypt faces significant challenges in managing its sewage sludge generated in large quantities from wastewater treatment plants. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing sewage sludge as a renewable resource for hydrogen production through anaerobic digestion at the 100 L bioreactor level. Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative energy source due to its high energy content and environmental benefits. To optimize the microbial degradation process and maximize hydrogen production from sewage sludge, a specialized pretreatment is necessary. Various pretreatment methods have been applied to the sewage sludge, individually and in combination, to study the bio-hydrogen production from sewage sludge. The four methods of treatment were studied in batch assays as a pilot scale. Thermal pretreatment of sewage sludge significantly increases bio-hydrogen production yield compared to other sewage sludge pretreatment methods, producing the highest H2 yield (6.48 LH2/g VS). In general, the hydrogen yield of any type of pretreated inoculum was significantly higher than the untreated inoculum. At the same time, alkaline pretreatment improved the hydrogen yield (1.04 LH2/g VS) more than acid pretreatment (0.74 LH2/g VS), while the hydrogen yield for the combination of pretreatments (shock alkali pretreatment) was higher than both (1.73 LH2/g VS), On the other hand, untreated sewage sludge (control) had almost no hydrogen yield (0.03 LH2/g VS). The self-fermented anaerobic bioreactor improved sewage sludge utilization, increased bioenergy yields, and seems to be promising for treating complex wastes at this scale.

Evaluation of Biohydrogen Production Depending on the Substrate Used—Examples for the Development of Green Energy

“…El-kebeer et al [66] investigated the possibility of using sewage sludge to produce biohydrogen through dark fermentation. The tests were carried out on a pilot-scale installation equipped with a fermenter with a capacity of 100 dm 3 .…”

A Comprehensive Approach to Azo Dichlorotriazine Dye Treatment: Assessing the Impact of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Treatment Methods through Statistical Analysis of Experimental Data

“…The biological treatment of wastewater has some advantages such as being environmentally friendly, producing less sludge, and being inexpensive, so it is often the most cost-effective alternative compared to other treatment solutions [14,15]. However, the biological treatment systems are not efficacious in the treatment of industrial effluents when utilized independently because these effluents, especially textile effluent, usually contain toxic and/or refractory organic chemicals that are complicated to treat so, the biological treatment should be combined or using dual of biological stage [16].…”