Methane yield enhancement via electroporation of organic waste. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Safavi, Seyedeh Masoumeh; Unnthorsson, Runar
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 66(2017)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion -- Pulsed electric field pre-treatment -- Electroporation -- Landfill leachate -- Fruit/vegetable -- Methane production; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.02.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: The first study of PEF pre-treatment on landfill leachate and fruit/vegatables. Enhanced methane production from landfill leachate by 44%. Linear correlation between intensity and methane production for landfill leachate. 15 kW h/m 3 was the maximum treatment intensity for fruit/vegatables. 100% improvement of COD removal for landfill leachate. Abstract: An experimental study with pulsed electric field (PEF) pre-treatment was conducted to investigate its effect on methane production. PEF pre-treatment converts organic solids into soluble and colloidal forms, increasing bioavailability for anaerobic microorganisms participating in methane generation process. The substrates tested were landfill leachate and fruit/vegetable. Three treatment intensities of 15, 30, and 50 kW h/m 3 were applied to investigate the influence of pre-treatment on methane production via biochemical methane potential test. Threshold treatment intensity was found to be around 30 kW h/m 3 for landfill leachate beyond which the methane production enhanced linearly with increase in intensity. Methane production of the landfill leachate significantly increased up to 44% with the highest intensity. The result of pulsed electric field pre-treatment on fruit/vegetable showed that 15 kW h/m 3 was the intensity by which the highest amount of methane (up to 7%) was achieved. Beyond this intensity, the methane production decreased. Chemical oxygen demand removals were increased up to 100% for landfill leachate and 17% for fruit/vegetable, compared to the untreated slurries. Results indicate that the treatment intensity has a significant effect on the methane production and biosolid removal.