Advancing the bioconversion process of food waste into methane: A systematic review. (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Workie, Endashaw; Kumar, Vinor; Bhatnagar, Amit; He, Yiliang; Dai, Yanjun; Wah Tong, Yen; Peng, Yinghong; Zhang, Jingxin; Fu, Cunbin
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 156(2023)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: Anaerobic Digestion -- Biogas -- Exergy -- Food waste -- Methane -- Pretreatment; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.11.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Adopting pre-digestion management of FW is vital for the advanced AD processes. AI-guided FW collection and optimization scheme enables a resilient AD operation. It is important to assess the microphysical properties of the FW to be valorized. Real-time ADFW monitoring enables the prediction of potential methane output. Deploying the FW AD plant on the existing waste treatment facility is suggested. Abstract: With the continuous rise of food waste (FW) throughout the world, a research effort to reveal its potential for bioenergy production is surging. There is a lack of harmonized information and publications available that evaluate the state-of-advance for FW-derived methane production process, particularly from an engineering and sustainability point of view. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has shown remarkable efficiency in the bioconversion of FW to methane. This paper reviews the current research progress, gaps, and prospects in pre-AD, AD, and post-AD processes of FW-derived methane production. Briefly, the review highlights innovative FW collection and optimization routes such as AI that enable efficient FW valorization processes. As weather changes and the FW sources may affect the AD efficiency, it is important to assess the spatio-seasonal variations and microphysical properties of the FW to be valorized. In that case, developing weather-resistant bioreactors and cost-effective mechanisms to modify the raw substrate morphology is necessary. An AI-guided reactor could have high performance when the internal environment of the centralized operation is monitored in real-time and not susceptible to changes in FW variety. Monitoring solvent degradation and fugitive gases during biogas purification is a challenging task, especially for large-scale plants. Furthermore, this review links scientific evidence in the field with full-scale case studies from different countries. It also highlights the potential contribution of ADFW to carbon neutrality efforts. Regarding future research needs, in addition to the smart collection scheme, attention should be paid to the management and utilization of FW impurities, to ensure sustainable AD operations.