Anaerobic co-digestion of algal sludge and waste paper to produce methane

Bioresour Technol. 2007 Jan;98(1):130-4. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2005.11.010. Epub 2006 Jan 4.

Abstract

The unbalanced nutrients of algal sludge (low C/N ratio) were regarded as an important limitation factor to anaerobic digestion process. Adding high carbon content of waste paper in algal sludge feedstock to have a balanced C/N ratio was undertaken in this study. The results showed adding 50% (based on volatile solid) of waste paper in algal sludge feedstock increased the methane production rate to 1170+/-75 ml/l day, as compared to 573+/-28 ml/l day of algal sludge digestion alone, both operated at 4 g VS/l day, 35 degrees C and 10 days HRT. The maximum methane production rate of 1607+/-17 ml/l day was observed at a combined 5 g VS/l day loading rate with 60% (VS based) of paper adding in algal sludge feedstock. Results suggested an optimum C/N ratio for co-digestion of algal sludge and waste paper was in the range of 20-25/1.

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Cellulase / metabolism
  • Eukaryota / metabolism*
  • Methane / biosynthesis*
  • Paper*
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*
  • Sewage*

Substances

  • Sewage
  • Cellulase
  • Methane