Potential of coupling anaerobic digestion with thermochemical technologies for waste valorization

Rising wastes due to all round development can emphatically be seen in today?s world. Cutting edge and innovative waste processing technologies such as integration of anaerobic digestion (AD) with thermochemical processes (pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal carbonization) are required to decrease the adverse effects of wastes on environment and health, and to enhance the resource efficiency. The coupling of two or more technologies can not only offset the limitations of each other but can also act as a driving force to encourage the circular economy. This paper delivers an evaluation on the viability of integrating AD with thermochemical processes. The versatility of pyrochar (biochar) is examined as a means to promote it for multiple applications. The concept of integrated process design is proposed to pave a way for future research. This article throws light on different areas of waste valorization via coupling of thermal and biological routes to boost it as a possibly sustainable and green technology.

Automated summary

In order to reduce the adverse effects of waste on the environment and health, innovative waste processing technologies are needed. The integration of multiple technologies can act as a driving force to encourage the circular economy.