Abstract
In this study, the feasibility of integrating microalgae cultivation in a biogas production process that treats the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was investigated. In particular, the biomass growth performances in the liquid fraction of the digestate, characterized by high ammonia concentrations and turbidity, were assessed together with the nutrient removal efficiency. Preliminary laboratory-scale experiments were first carried out in photobioreactors operating in a continuous mode (Continuous-flow Stirred-Tank Reactor, CSTR), to gain preliminary data aimed at aiding the subsequent scaling up to a pilot scale facility. An outdoor experimental campaign, operated from July to October 2019, was then performed in a pilot scale raceway pond (4.5 m2), located in Arzignano (VI), Italy, to assess the performances under real environmental conditions. The results show that microalgae could grow well in this complex substrate, although dilution was necessary to enhance light penetration in the culture. In outdoor conditions, nitrification by autotrophic bacteria appeared to be significant, while the photosynthetic nitrogen removal was around 12% with respect to the inlet. On the other hand, phosphorus was almost completely removed from the medium under all the conditions tested, and a biomass production between 2–7 g m−2 d−1 was obtained.
Highlights
In relation to the increasing world population, the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is expected to increase, with a foreseen production of 2.2 billion tons at a global level by 2025 [1]
In this study, the feasibility of integrating microalgae cultivation in a biogas production process that treats the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was investigated
anaerobic digestion (AD) allows for the valorization of the OFMSW through the production of biogas, which could be exploited for the production of power and thermal energy in a combined heat and power (CHP) engine [5], or upgraded to biomethane to be used as a vehicle fuel or injected into the natural gas grid [6,7]
Summary
In relation to the increasing world population, the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is expected to increase, with a foreseen production of 2.2 billion tons at a global level by 2025 [1]. AD allows for the valorization of the OFMSW through the production of biogas, which could be exploited for the production of power and thermal energy in a combined heat and power (CHP) engine [5], or upgraded to biomethane to be used as a vehicle fuel or injected into the natural gas grid [6,7]. Following this approach, waste is converted into a renewable energy resource
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