Abstract
The biogas produced in UASB-based sewage treatment plants (STPs) is rarely used for energy purposes and its potential is often unknown. This study aimed to propose a simple and reliable method based on energy balance to determine the technical feasibility of biogas use and the energy self-sufficiency of UASB reactors. To this end, we considered (i) electric power production (E) and (ii) electric power consumption (Econ) ascribed to sewage pumping stations (SPSs) at different pressure heads (0 to 4 m, 4.1 to 8 m, 8.1 to 12 m, and 12.1 to 16 m). The technical feasibility of biogas use was assessed by evaluating if the flow of biogas produced in the STPs would be sufficient for the functioning of a commercial motor-generator. The linear model fit to estimate the biogas energy potential (y-axis) in STPs and the sewage flow (x-axis) is represented by y = 122.65x (R2 = 0.64). In total, 1,054 STPs in Brazil use UASB reactors as treatment units, of which nearly 31% are located in the southeast. However, only 11.2% of these STPs, which serve populations of over 29,981, presented technical feasibility to recover biogas. The mathematical equations proposed in this study to estimate the net electric power production in UASB-based STPs are relevant tools for sanitation companies and can enable studies to be performed for the implementation of energy self-sufficiency projects in Brazil.
Highlights
The use of effective sewage treatment systems is essential to maintain appropriate conditions of sanitation by reducing the sewage’s pollution potential, and protect public health (Marzouk & Othman )
Such sewage treatment plant (STP) are especially in the south and southeast. This fact was observed by Noyola et al ( ), who reported a large number of small-sized STPs operating with low flows (
This study provides the tools for verifying the technical feasibility of biogas use in STPs for energy purposes considering the contributing population or the minimum sewage flow, which represents another contribution to the sanitation sector
Summary
The use of effective sewage treatment systems is essential to maintain appropriate conditions of sanitation by reducing the sewage’s pollution potential, and protect public health (Marzouk & Othman ). Mesquita et al | A proposal to determine self-sustainability in UASB reactors
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