Opportunities and knowledge gaps in biochemical interventions for mining of resources from solid waste: A special focus on anaerobic digestion

In demographics, the world population has grown at an incredible rate. As reported by Food and Agriculture Organization the population will rise to approximately 9.3 billion in 2050 which was nearly 3 billion in 1960 and 7 billion in 2010. The high population results in increased waste generation. Energy production has been reported to the highest extent from the waste along with other value-added products. The demand of renewable resources for energy production has enhanced worldwide as most of the fossil fuels are utilized as an energy source. Nowadays, anaerobic digestion is preferred as a sustainable and an alternative method which produces bio-based fuel from waste with simultaneous management of waste in sustainable manner. In order to increase the production and quality rate of biogas there are various technologies trending in the biogas industry. Biogas utilization can be done for the production of energy in urban and rural areas. This review paper aims at the health and environmental impacts of waste which rises the need for converting the waste into different types of renewable energy sources. The state-of-the-art information provided on biological method (anaerobic digestion) for converting waste into biogas including the enhancement in the yield employing various pretreatment methods which are ignored by the researchers would generate a comprehensive literature on the subject. This paper ends with knowledge gaps and perspectives for understanding the challenges and opportunities for an effective management of waste in order to develop sustainable environment and society.

Automated summary

With the rapid growth of the global population, there has been an increase in waste generation. Anaerobic digestion, as a sustainable and alternative method, can convert waste into bio-based fuel while managing waste effectively. This review discusses the latest technologies and methods in anaerobic digestion and the need for converting waste into renewable energy sources, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in waste management.