Optimizing anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) by using biomass ashes as additives

The purpose of this study is to test alternative additives for trace element (TE) supplementation and process stabilization during anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage sludge. Process instabilities due to acidification are a typical problem in waste fermentation. Provision with minerals and TE is crucial for microorganisms in AD to work effectively, allowing higher organic loading rates within the digester without risking acid accumulation. In batchfermentation tests, different mixture configurations of OFMSW, digested sewage sludge and biomass ashes were evaluated. Based on an extensive characterization of the TE contained in wood ashes, suitable combinations of digested sewage sludge and OFMSW as a baseline substrate together with ash additives were derived. While high dosages of ash reduced biogas production, 1:1 mix of ash and OFMSW facilitated higher CH4 yields (6%). The supplementation of ashes increased the pH-value within AD and CO2 precipitation through metal oxides in situ elevated the CH4 concentration in biogas up to 98%. Therefore, ashes may increase the efficiency of AD and serve as a basis for a new gas purification method, minimizing technical effort. Additional investigations are needed to examine long-term effects as well as financial and legal aspects such as possible ways of digestate usage. As a further area of research, the transferability of batch-test results into practical applications is identified. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.