Effect of particle size and doses of zeolite addition on anaerobic digestion processes of synthetic and piggery wastes
The research paper investigates the role of natural zeolite in enhancing anaerobic digestion processes for piggery waste and synthetic wastewater. The study utilized natural zeolite with a particle size of up to 1 mm in batch experiments to assess its impact on anaerobic digestion efficiency. The findings indicate that the addition of zeolite at doses between 0.05 and 0.30 g/g of volatile suspended solids (VSS) positively influenced the anaerobic digestion process, with the optimal dose identified as 0.10 g/g VSS. A first-order kinetic model was employed to analyze the experimental data, revealing that the kinetic constants were dose-dependent, peaking at 0.10 g/g VSS (0.218/d) and declining at higher doses (0.145/d at 0.40 g/g VSS).
The study also compared zeolite and sand as supports for microorganism immobilization, finding no significant differences in total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) removal efficiencies or methane production between the two supports. The primary mechanism for enhanced anaerobic digestion in piggery waste was attributed to zeolite's capacity for microorganism immobilization, while in synthetic waste, both microorganism immobilization and ammonia nitrogen reduction were significant.
The research paper details the experimental setup, including the characteristics of the piggery and synthetic wastes, the natural zeolite used, and the methodology for measuring various parameters such as TCOD, total suspended solids (TSS), and methane production. The results demonstrate that zeolite addition can improve anaerobic digestion performance, particularly in synthetic wastewater, by reducing ammonia concentrations and enhancing microbial activity.
This research paper is significant in the field of waste management and environmental engineering, particularly in the context of anaerobic digestion. It contributes to ongoing discussions about optimizing waste treatment processes by exploring the use of natural zeolite, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly material. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners looking to enhance biogas production and organic matter removal in wastewater treatment systems. By demonstrating the optimal conditions for zeolite application, the study offers practical guidelines for improving the efficiency of anaerobic digestion processes, which is crucial for sustainable waste management and energy recovery.
