Contaminants, biochemical methane potential, and biodegradability of different bio-waste categories: guidance for anaerobic digestion.

This study evaluated the anaerobic digestion suitability of bio-waste from different sources by comparing their biochemical methane potential (BMP), biodegradability (BI), and content of contaminants (heavy metals and physical impurities) - an often-overlooked factor but one of particular concern in bio-waste. Predominant heavy metals included Cu and Zn, while recurring physical impurities comprised plastics and organic non-biodegradable matter. Food waste from food processing plants were most suitable, exhibiting low contamination and high biogas conversion (BMP > 549 NmLCH/gVS and BI > 86 %).

Alkali, thermal, or thermo-alkali pre-treatment to improve the anaerobic digestion of poly(lactic acid)?

Replacing petroleum-based plastics with biodegradable polymers is a major challenge for modern society especially for food packaging applications. To date, poly(lactic acid) represents 25 % of the total biodegradable plastics and it is estimated that, in the future, it could become the main contributor to the biodegradable plastics industry. Anaerobic digestion is an interesting way for the poly(lactic acid) end of life, even if its biodegradability is limited in mesophilic conditions.

Incorporating saline microalgae biomass in anaerobic digester treating sewage sludge: Impact on performance and microbial populations.

The aim of this study was to acclimate anaerobic prokaryotes to saline microalgae biomass. Semi-continuous experiments were conducted using two 1.5 L mesophilic reactors for 10 weeks, (hydraulic retention time of 21 days).

Innovative and sustainable cultivation strategy for the production of Spirulina platensis using anaerobic digestates diluted with residual geothermal water.

The following study investigates the possibility of growing the Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) cyanobacteria on two agro-industrial anaerobic digestion (AD) digestates diluted with geothermal water. The two digestates (FAWD: Food and Agricultural Wastes Digestate and CDD: Cheese Diary Digestate) were selected based on their different chemical characteristics, attributed to the type of feedstock and the operating conditions used during the AD process.

Simulation of biowastes and biodegradable plastics co-digestion in semi-continuous reactors: Performances and agronomic evaluation.

The development of selective biowaste collection in most European countries provides new opportunities for the anaerobic digestion sector. In parallel, extensive development of biodegradable plastics like polylactic-acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which facilitates the replacement of conventional plastics, has taken place in the past decade. This study investigated anaerobic co-digestion in semi-continuous reactors of biowastes (75 % Volatil Solids) and biodegradable plastics (25 % Volatil Solids, PLA and PHB).