Enhancing biomethanogenic treatment of fresh incineration leachate using single chambered microbial electrolysis cells. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Yan; Sun, Dezhi; Dang, Yan; Lei, Yuqing; Ji, Jiayang; Lv, Tingwei; Bian, Rui; Xiao, Zhihui; Yan, Liangming; Holmes, Dawn E.
• Is Part Of: Bioresource technology. Volume 231(2017)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Incineration leachate -- Microbial electrolysis cells -- Methanogenesis -- Exoelectrogens -- Refractory organic matter degradation; Biomass -- Periodicals; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Agricultural wastes -- Periodicals; Factory and trade waste -- Periodicals; Organic wastes -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; Déchets agricoles -- Périodiques; Déchets industriels -- Périodiques; Déchets organiques -- Périodiques; Déchets (Combustible) -- Périodiques; 662.88
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.02.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-8524

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: ADMECs enhanced methanogenesis during MSW incineration leachate treatment. ADMECs rapidly recovered from souring caused by high organic loading rates. ADMECs stimulated degradation of refractory organic matter in incineration leachate. Exoelectrogenic and syntrophic bacteria were enriched in ADMECs. Methanosarcina and Methanospirillum were enriched in ADMECs. Abstract: Methanogenic treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration leachate can be hindered by high concentrations of refractory organic matter and humification of compounds in the leachate. In an attempt to overcome some of these impediments, microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were incorporated into anaerobic digesters (ADMECs). COD removal efficiencies and methane production were 8.7% and 44.3% higher in ADMECs than in controls, and ADMEC reactors recovered more readily from souring caused by high organic loading rates. The degradation rate of large macromolecules was substantially higher (96% vs 81%) in ADMEC than control effluent, suggesting that MECs stimulated degradation of refractory organic matter and reduced humification. Exoelectrogenic bacteria and microorganisms known to form syntrophic partnerships were enriched in ADMECs. These results show that ADMECs were more effective at treatment of MSW incineration leachate, and should be taken into consideration when designing future treatment facilities.