An overview on biogas generation from anaerobic digestion of food waste

ABSTRACT

Food waste is an inevitable type of waste in every city, and its treatment technology evolves with time. Due to the high organic content and high biodegradability of food waste, anaerobic digestion becomes a commonly accepted treatment method to deal with it. This review article summarizes key factors for anaerobic digestion and provides useful information for successful anaerobic digestions. Reasonable temperature and pH are essential for a successful and productive anaerobic digestion process. A good inoculum to substrate ratio triggers a profitable food waste digestion. Good mixing and small particle sizes are important factors too. In addition, the pros and cons of different reactors to food waste digestion are highlighted. Moreover, co-digestion of food waste with animal manures, sewage sludge, and green waste were introduced.

KEYWORDS:

• 2-phase reactor
• anaerobic
• biogas; co-digestion
• food waste
• inoculums to substrate ratio

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the ICEE and the CRCG grant of the University of Hong Kong for supporting this study.