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Published on: March 9, 2021
ADM1 performance using SS-OFMSW with non-acclimated inoculums.
M El-Fadel1, R Maroun, R Bou Fakher Eldeen
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, P. O. Box 11-0236 Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon. mfadel@aub.edu.lb
Summary
Source-sorted organic waste from municipal solid waste underwent anaerobic digestion (AD). This process demonstrated excellent biodegradability and suitability for AD, yielding high methane production rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Waste Management
Background:
- Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a global challenge.
- Organic fraction of MSW (OFMSW) represents a significant portion of waste streams.
- Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology for treating OFMSW and recovering energy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the anaerobic digestion (AD) of source-sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste (SS-OFMSW).
- To simulate the AD process using the Anaerobic Digestion Model 1 (ADM1).
- To evaluate the impact of re-inoculation and effluent dilution on digester performance.
Main Methods:
- Operation and monitoring of two bench-scale anaerobic digesters fed with SS-OFMSW.
- Application of the ADM1 mathematical model for process simulation.
- Analysis of key parameters including methane production, soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations.
Main Results:
- Re-inoculation with cattle manure and effluent dilution reduced the acclimation period and improved digester stability.
- Achieved a stable organic loading rate (OLR) of 2.39 kg TVS m(-3) day(-1).
- High methane gas production rates (0.1-2.5 m(3) CH(4)/m(3) reactor day) confirmed excellent biodegradability of SS-OFMSW.
- ADM1 simulations satisfactorily predicted soluble COD, pH, and biogas methane composition, while generally capturing VFA trends.
Conclusions:
- SS-OFMSW is highly biodegradable and suitable for anaerobic digestion.
- Optimized AD process parameters, including re-inoculation and effluent dilution, enhance stability and efficiency.
- The ADM1 model provides a useful tool for simulating and understanding the AD of SS-OFMSW.
