Instability mechanisms and early warning indicators for mesophilic anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste

In order to elucidate the instability mechanism, screen early warning indicators, and propose control measures, the mesophilic digestion of vegetable waste (VW) was carried out at organic loading rates (OLR) of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g volatile solid (VS)/(L d). The process parameters, including biogas components, volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia, pH, total alkalinity (TA), bicarbonate alkalinity (BA), and intermediate alkalinity (IA), were monitored every day. Digestion was inhibited at OLR of 1.5 g VS/(L d). The primary causes of instability are a high sugar and negligible ammonia content, in addition to the feed without effluent recirculation, which led to BA loss. The ratios of CH4/CO2, VFA/BA, propionate, n-butyrate and iso-valerate were selected as early warning indicators. In order to maintain the digestion of VW at a high OLR, control measures including effluent recirculation and trace element addition are recommended.