Abstract
This experimental study investigates the use of process liquor from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sewage sludge as sole substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD). The process performance at 37°C (mesophilic) and 55°C (thermophilic) was determined based on two identical continuously-fed anaerobic filters (26L each) operated for 20weeks. During operation, the organic loading rate was stepwise increased from 1 to 5gCODL−1d−1. This decreased the hydraulic retention time from 34 to 5days. Significant differences in methane production were not observed as both reactors yielded up to 0.18LCH4gCOD−1. Increased temperature had no effect on the steady-state COD removal efficiency with both reactors stabilized at 68–75%. Macro- and micronutrients were provided by HTC liquor in sufficient concentrations throughout the experiment. Methanogenesis was identified as the speed-limiting step in anaerobic digestion of HTC liquor. Hydrolysis was of an order of magnitude faster than methanogenesis.
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