Anaerobic digestion of vinasse and water treatment plant sludge increases methane production and stability of UASB reactors.

Studies are still needed to increase the stability and efficiency of methane production from vinasse. Therefore, operations strategies, such as the anaerobic digestion with one or more wastes and adding micronutrients, especially iron, become attractive. The performance of two treatment systems, each one composed of two UASB reactors in series, operated under mesophilic (R1M and R2M) and thermophilic (R1T and R2T) temperature conditions, was evaluated in the anaerobic digestion of vinasse (ADV). First, the reactors were operated with the effluent recirculation and increasing organic loading rate (OLR) up to 20 g CODtotal L-1d-1 in the R1M and R1T. Then, the anaerobic digestion of vinasse and water treatment plant (WTP) sludge (ADVS) was performed in the proportions of 25:75 to 50:50 (% v/v) in both systems. In the ADV, applying the highest OLR, the mesophilic and thermophilic reactors instabilities happened. The ADVS of over 35% of WTP sludge promoted the recovery of the mesophilic and thermophilic UASB reactors with significantly reduced total volatile acids and increased alkalinity and biogas production. The higher average values of the volumetric methane production (VMP) occurred in the ADVS at 50% of WTP; in the R1M and R1T, they were 3.23 and 3.00 L CH4 L-1d-1, respectively. In the ADV, the thermophilic system presented higher VMP concerning the mesophilic for OLR up to 15 g CODtotal L-1d-1. For higher OLR, the mesophilic system showed better carrying capacity and stability. The ADVS with above 35% of WTP sludge promoted similar benefits in the two systems, with no significant differences in CODtotal removal and VMP. Therefore, adding iron by WTP sludge in ADVS improves methane production and increases the stability of UASB reactors under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions.

Treatment of biodigested coffee processing wastewater using Fenton's oxidation and coagulation/flocculation.

Biodigested coffee processing wastewater (CPW) presents a high organic load and does not meet the limits imposed by legislation (namely in Brazil) for discharge into water bodies. Anaerobic digestion generally cannot provide a satisfactory organic matter reduction in CPW as a significant fraction of recalcitrant compounds still persists in the treated effluent. So, this study aims to find alternative ways to remove refractory organic compounds from this wastewater in order to improve the biodegradability and reduce the toxicity, which will allow its recirculation back into the anaerobic digester. Three treatment approaches (Fenton's oxidation - Approach 1, Coagulation/flocculation (C/F) - Approach 2, and the combination of C/F with Fenton's process - Approach 3) were selected to be applied to the biodigested CPW in order to achieve that objective. The application of the Fenton process under the optimal operating conditions (initial pH = 5.0; T = 55 °C, [Fe3+] = 1.8 g L-1 and [H2O2] = 9.0 g L-1) increased the biodegradability (the BOD5:COD ratio raised from 0.34 ± 0.02 in biodigested CPW to 0.44 ± 0.01 after treatment) and eliminated the toxicity (0.0% of Vibrio fischeri inhibition) along with moderate removals of organic matter (51.3%, 55.7% and 39.7% for total organic carbon - TOC, chemical oxygen demand - COD and biochemical oxygen demand - BOD5, respectively). The implementation of a coagulation/flocculation process upstream from Fenton's oxidation, under the best operating conditions (pH 10-11 and [Fe3+] = 250 mg L-1), also allowed to slightly increase the biodegradability (from 0.34 to 0.47) and reduce the toxicity, whereas providing a higher removal of organic matter (TOC = 76.2%, COD = 76.5 and BOD5 = 66.3% for both processes together). Approach 1 and Approach 3 showed to be the best ones, implying similar operating costs (∼74 R$ m-3/∼17 € m-3) and constitute an attractive option for managing biodigested CPW.

Predominance of syntrophic bacteria, Methanosaeta and Methanoculleus in a two-stage up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating coffee processing wastewater at high organic loading rate.

The effect of the organic loading rate (OLR) on the performance and microbial composition of a two-stage UASB system treating coffee processing wastewater was assessed. The system was operated with OLR up to 18.2 g COD (L d)-1 and effluent recirculation. Methane production and effluent characteristics were monitored. The microbial composition was examined through next-generation sequencing and qPCR from the anaerobic sludge of the first reactor (R1) operated at low and high OLR. The system showed operational stability, obtaining a maximum methane production of 2.2 L CH4 (L d)-1, with a removal efficiency of COD and phenolic compounds of 84 and 73%, respectively. The performance of R1 at high OLR in steady conditions was associated with an appropriate proportion of nutrients (particularly Fe) and a marked increase of the syntrophic bacteria Syntrophus and Candidatus Cloacimonas, and acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, mainly Methanosaeta, Methanoculleus, Methanobacterium and Methanomassiliicoccus.

Improved methane production from sugarcane vinasse with filter cake in thermophilic UASB reactors, with predominance of Methanothermobacter and Methanosarcina archaea and Thermotogae bacteria.

Biogas production from sugarcane vinasse has enormous economic, energy, and environmental management potential. However, methane production stability and biodigested vinasse quality remain key issues, requiring better nutrient and alkalinity availability, operational strategies, and knowledge of reactor microbiota. This study demonstrates increased methane production from vinasse through the use of sugarcane filter cake and improved effluent recirculation, with elevated organic loading rates (OLR) and good reactor stability. We used UASB reactors in a two-stage configuration, with OLRs up to 45gCODL-1d-1, and obtained methane production as high as 3LL-1d-1. Quantitative PCR indicated balanced amounts of bacteria and archaea in the sludge (109-1010copiesg-1VS), and of the predominant archaea orders, Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales (106-108copiesg-1VS). 16S rDNA sequencing also indicated the thermophilic Thermotogae as the most abundant class of bacteria in the sludge.

Biomethane production from vinasse in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors inoculated with granular sludge

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to evaluate the anaerobic conversion of vinasse into biomethane with gradual increase in organic loading rate (OLR) in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, R1 and R2, with volumes of 40.5 and 21.5 L in the mesophilic temperature range. The UASB reactors were operated for 230 days with a hydraulic detection time (HDT) of 2.8 d (R1) and 2.8-1.8 d (R2). The OLR values applied in the reactors were 0.2-7.5 g totalCOD (L d)−1 in R1 and 0.2-11.5 g totalCOD (L d)−1 in R2. The average total chemical oxygen demand (totalCOD) removal efficiencies ranged from 49% to 82% and the average conversion efficiencies of the removed totalCOD into methane were 48-58% in R1 and 39-65% in R2. The effluent recirculation was used for an OLR above 6 g totalCOD (L d)−1 in R1 and 8 gtotalCOD (L d)−1 in R2 and was able to maintain the pH of the influent in R1 and R2 in the range from 6.5 to 6.8. However, this caused a decrease for 53-39% in the conversion efficiency of the removed totalCOD into methane in R2 because of the increase in the recalcitrant COD in the influent. The largest methane yield values were 0.181 and 0.185 (L) CH4 (gtotal COD removed)−1 in R1 and R2, respectively. These values were attained after 140 days of operation with an OLR of 5.0-7.5 g totalCOD (L d)−1 and total COD removal efficiencies around 70 and 80%.

Biomethane production from vinasse in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors inoculated with granular sludge.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the anaerobic conversion of vinasse into biomethane with gradual increase in organic loading rate (OLR) in two upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, R1 and R2, with volumes of 40.5 and 21.5L in the mesophilic temperature range. The UASB reactors were operated for 230 days with a hydraulic detection time (HDT) of 2.8d (R1) and 2.8-1.8d (R2). The OLR values applied in the reactors were 0.2-7.5gtotalCOD (Ld)(-1) in R1 and 0.2-11.5gtotalCOD (Ld)(-1) in R2. The average total chemical oxygen demand (totalCOD) removal efficiencies ranged from 49% to 82% and the average conversion efficiencies of the removed totalCOD into methane were 48-58% in R1 and 39-65% in R2. The effluent recirculation was used for an OLR above 6gtotalCOD (Ld)(-1) in R1 and 8gtotalCOD (Ld)(-1) in R2 and was able to maintain the pH of the influent in R1 and R2 in the range from 6.5 to 6.8. However, this caused a decrease for 53-39% in the conversion efficiency of the removed totalCOD into methane in R2 because of the increase in the recalcitrant COD in the influent. The largest methane yield values were 0.181 and 0.185 (L) CH4 (gtotalCOD removed)(-1) in R1 and R2, respectively. These values were attained after 140 days of operation with an OLR of 5.0-7.5gtotalCOD (Ld)(-1) and totalCOD removal efficiencies around 70 and 80%.

Anaerobic co-digestion of vegetable waste and swine wastewater in high-rate horizontal reactors with fixed bed.

Considering the high waste generation that comes from agriculture and livestock farming, as well as the demand for natural gas, it is necessary to develop sustainable technologies which can reduce environmental impact. There is no available literature on the use of high-rate horizontal anaerobic reactors with fixed bed (HARFB) and continuous feed for the co-digestion of vegetable wastes (VW) and swine wastewater (SW). The aim of this work was to evaluate the reactor performance in terms of methane production, organic matter consumption, and removal of total and thermotolerant coliforms under different proportions of SW and VW, and organic loading rates (OLR) of 4.0, 5.2 and 11.0g COD (Ld)(-)(1). The mixture of SW and VW in the proportions of 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 (SW:VW) with those OLRs provided great buffering capacity, with partial alkalinity reaching 3552mgL(-1), thereby avoiding the inhibition of methane production by volatile fatty acids produced during the fermentation process. Higher proportions of VW and higher OLR improved volumetric methane production with a maximum value of 1.08LCH4 (Ld)(-)(1), organic matter removal rates up to 98% and total and thermotolerant coliform removal rates of 99% were also observed.

A balanced microbiota efficiently produces methane in a novel high-rate horizontal anaerobic reactor for the treatment of swine wastewater.

A novel combination of structurally simple, high-rate horizontal anaerobic reactors installed in series was used to treat swine wastewater. The reactors maintained stable pH, alkalinity, and volatile acid levels. Removed chemical oxygen demand (COD) represented 68% of the total, and the average specific methane production was 0.30L CH4 (g removed CODtot)(-1). In addition, next-generation sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were used to explore the methane-producing Archaea and microbial diversity. At least 94% of the sludge diversity belong to the Bacteria and Archaea, indicating a good balance of microorganisms. Among the Bacteria the Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most prevalent phyla. Interestingly, up to 12% of the sludge diversity belongs to methane-producing orders, such as Methanosarcinales, Methanobacteriales and Methanomicrobiales. In summary, this system can efficiently produce methane and this is the first time that horizontal anaerobic reactors have been evaluated for the treatment of swine wastewater.

Reator anaeróbio compartimentado para o tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura / Anaerobic baffled reactor for treatment of swine wastewater

A poluição da água e do solo causada pela suinocultura provoca impactos ambientais severos nas regiões produtoras. Uma alternativa eficiente para atenuar esse problema pode ser a utilização de reatores anaeróbios de alta taxa. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito das águas residuárias de suinocultura com concentrações de sólidos suspensos totais em torno de 6.000 mg.L−1 no desempenho do reator anaeróbio compartimentado, com três câmaras. O volume da primeira câmara foi de 210 L e da segunda e terceira de 160 L. O reator anaeróbio compartimentado foi submetido a tempos de detenção hidráulica de 56, 28 e 18 horas e a cargas orgânicas volumétricas de 5,0 a 10,1 g DQOtotal (L.d)−1. As maiores remoções de demanda química de oxigênio total, de 42 a 68%, e das produções volumétricas de metano, de 0,261 a 0,454 L CH4 (L reator d)−1, ocorreram na segunda câmara.

Water and soil pollution caused by the waste from the swine production causes severe environmental impacts in producing areas. An efficient alternative to reduce these impacts can be the use of high-rate anaerobic reactors. In this work, it was evaluated the effect of the swine wastewater with total suspended solids concentrations around 6.000 mg.L−1 in the anaerobic baffled reactor with three compartments. The volume of the first compartment was 210 L and of the second and third ones of 160 L. The anaerobic baffled reactor was submitted at hydraulic detention times of 56, 28 and 18 hours and to organic load rates of 5.0 to 10.1 g total COD (L.d)−1. The highest total COD removals, of 42 to 68%, and volumetric methane productions, of 0.261 to 0.454 L CH4 (L reactor d)−1, occurred in the second compartment.

Tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura em reator UASB e filtro anaeróbio em série seguidos de filtro biológico percolador / Treatment of swine wastewater in UASB reactor and anaerobic filter in series followed of trickling filter

Avaliou-se o desempenho de um reator anaeróbio de fluxo ascendente com manta de lodo (UASB) seguido de um filtro anaeróbio, instalados em série, com volume total de 300 L e 190 L, respectivamente, no tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura. As cargas orgânicas volumétricas aplicadas no reator UASB foram de 12,4;15,5; 23,2 e 26,3 g DQOtotal (L d)-1. Para o pós-tratamento do efluente do sistema anaeróbio em dois estágios utilizou-se um filtro biológico percolador com volume total de 250 L. O meio suporte utilizado nos filtros anaeróbio e biológico percolador foi composto por anéis de bambu. No sistema de tratamento anaeróbio e de pós-tratamento foram observadas eficiências médias de remoção de demanda química de oxigênio total (DQOtotal), sólidos suspensos totais (SST), nitrogênio total (NT), fósforo total (P-total), Cu e Zn de até 98, 99, 78, 84, 99 e 98 por cento, respectivamente.

The performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) followed by the anaerobic filter, installed in series, was evaluated for the treatment of swine wastewater. The total volume of UASB and anaerobic filter were of 300 L and 190 L, respectively. The organic load rate applied on the reactor UASB were of 12.4, 15.5, 23.2 and 26.3 g total COD (L d)-1. For the post-treatment of effluent the anaerobic system was used a trickling filter with total volume of 250 L. The supports used in the anaerobic filter and trickling filter were composed by bamboo rings. The efficiencies of removal the chemical oxygen demand, total solids suspended, nitrogen, total phosphorus, Cu and Zn were of up to 98, 99, 78, 84, 99 and 98 percent, respectively, for the anaerobic and aerobic treatment system.

Tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura em reator anaeróbio operado em batelada sequencial / Treatment of swine wastewater in anaerobic sequencing batch reactor

Neste estudo avaliou-se o desempenho de um reator anaeróbio operado em batelada sequencial, em escala piloto, com volume total de 280 L, no tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura. As cargas orgânicas volumétricas aplicadas no reator foram de 4,42; 5,27; 9,33 e 11,79 g DQOtotal (L d)-1. As eficiências médias de remoção de DQOtotal, sólidos suspensos totais (SST) e sólidos suspensos voláteis (SSV) variaram de 56 a 87 por cento. O nitrogênio total Kjedahl (NTK), fósforo total (P-total) e magnésio (Mg) foram removidos com eficiências médias de 26 a 39 por cento. As produções volumétricas de metano variaram de 0,50 a 0,64 L CH4 (L reator d)-1 e não foram observadas diferenças significativas. As relações sólidos voláteis/sólidos totais (SV/ST) do lodo de tal reator variaram de 0,74 a 0,58. As maiores concentrações médias de nutrientes no lodo do reator foram para o nitrogênio, fósforo, ferro e cálcio, com valores de 30.610 a 64.400, 1.590 a 9.870, 6.180 a 8.700 e 1.180 a 6.760 mg kg-1 base seca, respectivamente.

In the present study, we evaluated an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor, in pilot scale and with a total volume of 280 L, for the treatment of swine wastewater. The organic loading rates applied in such reactor were 4.42; 5.27; 9.33 and 11.79 g CODtotal (L d)-1. The average efficiencies of removal of CODtotal total solids suspension (TSS) and volatile suspension solids (VSS) varied from 56 to 87 percent. The nutrients total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN), total phosphorus (total P) and Mg were removed with average efficiencies from 26 to 39 percent. The volumetric methane productions varied from 0.50 to 0.64 L CH4 (L reactor d)-1 and did not present significant differences. The VS/TS relations of the aforementioned reactor's sludge varied from 0.74 to 0.58. The highest mean concentrations of nutrients in the reactor sludge were those of nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and calcium, with values from 30.610 to 64.400, 1.590 to 9.870, 6.180 to 8.700 and 1.180 to 6.760 mg kg-1 base dry, respectively.