| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4472130 | Waste Management | 2012 | 5 Pages |
The effects of organic loading rate on the performance and stability of anaerobic co-digestion of municipal biomass waste (MBW) and waste activated sludge (WAS) were investigated on a pilot-scale reactor. The results showed that stable operation was achieved with organic loading rates (OLR) of 1.2–8.0 kg volatile solid (VS) (m3 d)−1, with VS reduction rates of 61.7–69.9%, and volumetric biogas production of 0.89–5.28 m3 (m3 d)−1. A maximum methane production rate of 2.94 m3 (m3 d)−1 was achieved at OLR of 8.0 kg VS (m3 d)−1 and hydraulic retention time of 15 days. With increasing OLRs, the anaerobic reactor showed a decrease in VS removal rate, average pH value and methane concentration, and a increase of volatile fatty acid concentration. By monitoring the biogas production rate (BPR), the anaerobic digestion system has a higher acidification risk under an OLR of 8.0 kg VS (m3 d)−1. This result remarks the possibility of relating bioreactor performance with BPR in order to better understand and monitor anaerobic digestion process.
► Co-digestion of municipal biomass waste (MBW) and waste activated sludge (WAS) was examined on a pilot-scale reactor. ► System performance and stability under OLR of 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8, 6.0 and 8.0 kg VS (m3 d)−1 were analyzed. ► A maximum methane production rate of 2.94 m3 (m3 d)−1 was achieved at OLR of 8.0 kg VS (m3 d)−1 and HRT of 15d. ► With the increasing OLRs, pH values, VS removal rate and methane concentration decreased and VFA increased. ► The changing of biogas production rate can be a practical approach to monitor and control anaerobic digestion system.
