A techno-economic case for volatile fatty acid production for increased sustainability in the wastewater treatment industry. Issue 5 (6th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Veluswamy, G. K.; Shah, K.; Ball, A. S.; Guwy, A. J.; Dinsdale, R. M.
• Is Part Of: Environmental science. Volume 7:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 927
• Page End: 941
• Publication Date: 2021-04-06
• Subjects: Water-supply -- Periodicals; Water security -- Periodicals; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water chemistry -- Periodicals; 553.705
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ew00853b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1400

Abstract

Abstract : Methane, the final product of methanogenesis during anaerobic digestion is a low value product (0.1 $ per m 3 ). Abstract : Methane, the final product of methanogenesis during anaerobic digestion is a low value product (0.1 $ per m 3 ). Concerns over fugitive emissions from methane coupled with recent reduction in costs of solar and wind energy raise questions over the long-term sustainability of the anaerobic digestion process as a technology to produce renewable energy. The production of short chain volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a by-product of acetogenesis, represents a high value product. The projected VFA market demand for 2020 is 18 500 kilotons, increasing at an annual rate of 3% per year. Here, we review the business case for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to produce VFAs instead of biogas. Techno-economic and sensitivity studies are conducted to understand and compare economic feasibilities. Under favourable conditions, with positive government incentives, future WWTPs could produce high purity (>98%) propionic acid at 3.8 $ per kg, 35% less than the commercial selling value (6 $ per kg).