Enhanced efficiency of industrial-scale anaerobic digestion by the addition of glycosidic enzymes

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2008 Nov;43(13):1536-40. doi: 10.1080/10934520802293693.

Abstract

The results of the action of two glycosidic enzymes added to an anaerobic digester processing mixed wastewater sludge are reported in this paper. The experiment was performed at a continuously operating full-scale wastewater treatment plant during a 6-month period. The addition of the enzyme mixture resulted in improved gas production and dewatering properties. Dewatering experiments, both on enzyme-treated and reference sludge on the local centrifuges, indicated that the carbonaceous matter was decreased by 7% in enzyme-treated sludge, and the average dry solids increased from 27% (reference) to 31% in enzyme-treated sludge. The polymer dosage was decreased from 8 to 5 kg/t dry solids. Additionally, practical experiences were gathered concerning the transformation from static laboratory-scale batch experiments to a dynamic continuous industrial scale setup. Preliminary cost calculations showed beneficial aspects and economical feasibility of enzyme addition to an anaerobic sludge digestion process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Bioreactors*
  • Flocculation
  • Glycoside Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Sewage / chemistry*
  • Sewage / microbiology
  • Time Factors
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*

Substances

  • Sewage
  • Glycoside Hydrolases