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Enhancing Methane Yield in Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Primary Sewage Sludge: A Comprehensive Review on Potential Additives and Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Foteini Sakaveli

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Maria Petala

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Vasilios Tsiridis

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Efthymios Darakas

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Traditionally, anaerobic digestion has been applied to mixed sludge, combining primary sludge (PS) with secondary sludge. However, recent research has unveiled the advantages of dedicated PS digestion due to its higher energy content. Anaerobic digestion (AD) of primary sewage sludge can offer a sustainable solution for managing sewage sludge while generating renewable energy. The present study provides a comprehensive examination of the current state of knowledge regarding the anaerobic digestion of PS. Co-digestion of PS with organic substrates, including food waste and agro-industrial residues, emerges as a promising approach to boost biogas production. Additionally, the utilization of additives such as glucose and clay minerals has shown potential in improving methane yield. Critical factors affecting AD, such as pretreatment methods, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, temperature, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) levels, organic loading rates (OLR), inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR), and the role of additives, have been meticulously studied. Finally, this review consolidates existing knowledge to advance our understanding of primary sewage sludge anaerobic digestion, fostering more efficient and sustainable practices in sludge management and renewable energy generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Foteini Sakaveli & Maria Petala & Vasilios Tsiridis & Efthymios Darakas, 2024. "Enhancing Methane Yield in Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Primary Sewage Sludge: A Comprehensive Review on Potential Additives and Strategies," Waste, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-29, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jwaste:v:2:y:2024:i:1:p:2-57:d:1320409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sakaveli, Foteini & Petala, Maria & Tsiridis, Vasilios & Karas, Panagiotis A. & Karpouzas, Dimitrios G. & Darakas, Efthymios, 2023. "Effect of attapulgite on anaerobic digestion of primary sludge and downstream valorization of produced biosolids," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    2. Ehimen, E.A. & Sun, Z.F. & Carrington, C.G. & Birch, E.J. & Eaton-Rye, J.J., 2011. "Anaerobic digestion of microalgae residues resulting from the biodiesel production process," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(10), pages 3454-3463.
    3. Yuan, Tian & Cheng, Yanfei & Zhang, Zhenya & Lei, Zhongfang & Shimizu, Kazuya, 2019. "Comparative study on hydrothermal treatment as pre- and post-treatment of anaerobic digestion of primary sludge: Focus on energy balance, resources transformation and sludge dewaterability," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C), pages 171-180.
    4. Alves, Ingrid R.F.S. & Mahler, Claudio F. & Oliveira, Luciano B. & Reis, Marcelo M. & Bassin, João P., 2022. "Investigating the effect of crude glycerol from biodiesel industry on the anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and food waste in ternary mixtures," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    5. Liang, Yue-gan & Xu, Lu & Bao, Jing & Firmin, Kotchikpa Adekunle & Zong, Wenming, 2020. "Attapulgite enhances methane production from anaerobic digestion of pig slurry by changing enzyme activities and microbial community," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 222-232.
    6. De la Rubia, M.A. & Villamil, J.A. & Rodriguez, J.J. & Mohedano, A.F., 2018. "Effect of inoculum source and initial concentration on the anaerobic digestion of the liquid fraction from hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 697-704.
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