Volatile fatty acids production from biowaste at mechanical-biological treatment plants: Focusing on fermentation temperature

David Fernández-Domínguez, Sergi Astals*, Miriam Peces, Nicola Frison, David Bolzonella, Joan Mata-Alvarez, Joan Dosta

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The impact of temperature (20, 35, 45, 55, 70 °C) on volatile fatty acid (VFA) production from biowaste collected at a mechanical–biological treatment plant was analysed. Additionally, relevant streams of the treatment plant were characterised to assess seasonality effects and conceive the integration of a fermentation unit. Batch fermentation tests at 35 °C showed the highest VFA yields (0.49–0.59 gCODVFA/gVS). The VFA yield at 35 °C was 2%, 6%, 10% and 14% higher than at 55, 45, 20 and 70 °C, respectively. The VFA profile was not affected by the fermentation temperature nor seasonality and was dominated by acetic, propionic and butyric acid (75–86% CODVFA). The concentration of non-VFA soluble COD and ammoniacal nitrogen in the fermentation liquor increased with temperature. The fermentation unit in the treatment plant was conceived after the pulper and hydrocyclones and before the anaerobic digester, while the fermenter temperature depends on the VFA application.

Original languageEnglish
Article number123729
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume314
ISSN0960-8524
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2020

Keywords

  • Food waste
  • Mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plant
  • Mixed-culture fermentation
  • Organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW)
  • Short-chain fatty acids

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