Investigation of anaerobic biodegradability of real compost leachate emphasis on biogas harvesting

Anaerobic treatability of real compost leachate was assessed using laboratory-scale anaerobic sequencing batch reactor at mesophilic conditions. Interventional study was conducted at wide range of organic loading rate 0.93-25 g l(-1) day(-1) by varying hydraulic retention times 23 and 12 h. Initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) was 1.85-25 g l(-1). pH variations; total, soluble (SCOD), readily biodegradable (rbCOD) chemical oxygen demand; volatile fatty acids degradation; biogas production; and methane fraction were considered in this study. The organic matter removal efficiencies were in the range of 76-81 % depending on loading rates applied. The maximum volumetric methane production rate of 5.7 l CH4 l(-1) day(-1) was achieved at the loading rate of 19.65 g l(-1) day(-1). About 85 % of removed organic matters during the biodegradation were converted to the methane. The results have shown that the anaerobic batch reactor could be an appealing option for changing compost leachate into the useable products such as biogas and other energy-rich compounds, which may play a serious role in meeting the world's ever-increasing energy requirements in the future.