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Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste, Brewery Waste, and Agricultural Residues in an Off-Grid Continuous Reactor

Author

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  • Kimberley E. Miller

    (Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University, The Ridges Building 22, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Tess Herman

    (Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University, The Ridges Building 22, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Dimas A. Philipinanto

    (Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University, The Ridges Building 22, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

  • Sarah C. Davis

    (Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, Ohio University, The Ridges Building 22, Athens, OH 45701, USA)

Abstract

Small-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) can be an effective organic waste management system that also provides energy for small businesses and rural communities. This study measured fuel production from digestions of single and mixed feedstocks using an unheated, 2 m 3 digester operated continuously in a temperate climate for over three years. Using local food waste, brewery waste, grease waste, and agricultural residues, this study determined that small-scale AD co-digestions were almost always higher yielding than single feedstocks during psychrophilic operation and seasonal temperature transitions. Agricultural residues from Miscanthus x giganteus had the greatest impact on biomethane production during co-digestion (4.7-fold greater average biogas %CH 4 ), while mesophilic digestion of brewery waste alone produced the most biogas (0.76 gCH 4 gVS −1 d −1 ). Biogas production during the transition from mesophilic to psychrophilic was temporarily maintained at levels similar to mesophilic digestions, particularly during co-digestions, but biogas quality declined during these temperature shifts. Full-time operation of small-scale, unheated AD systems could be feasible in temperate climates if feedstock is intentionally amended to stabilize carbon content.

Suggested Citation

  • Kimberley E. Miller & Tess Herman & Dimas A. Philipinanto & Sarah C. Davis, 2021. "Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste, Brewery Waste, and Agricultural Residues in an Off-Grid Continuous Reactor," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:12:p:6509-:d:570653
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tess Herman & Emily Nungesser & Kimberley E. Miller & Sarah C. Davis, 2022. "Comparative Fuel Yield from Anaerobic Digestion of Emerging Waste in Food and Brewery Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Mariana Ferdeș & Bianca Ștefania Zăbavă & Gigel Paraschiv & Mariana Ionescu & Mirela Nicoleta Dincă & Georgiana Moiceanu, 2022. "Food Waste Management for Biogas Production in the Context of Sustainable Development," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-27, August.

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