The research paper presents a study on the anaerobic treatment of swine wastewater using batch reactors with different clayey supports. Conducted by M. M. Durán-Barrantes and colleagues from the University of Seville, the research investigates the kinetics of methane production and the impact of temperature on the efficiency of anaerobic digestion. The study utilized five stirred tank reactors: one with suspended biomass as a reference and four with various micronized clay supports (saponite, zeolite, calcined sepiolite, and esmectite). The experiments were conducted at three temperatures: 25 °C, 35 °C, and 47 °C.
The results indicated that the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was approximately 80% at 25 °C for reactors containing esmectite, saponite, and calcined sepiolite. The zeolite-supported reactor exhibited the lowest concentrations of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) across all temperatures. The study applied the Romero methane production kinetic model to derive the maximum specific growth rate of microorganisms and specific kinetic constants for each temperature. The findings revealed that the maximum growth rate was highest at 25 °C, decreasing with increasing temperature.
The introduction highlights the challenges posed by swine wastewater, particularly its high solid content and the presence of harmful compounds. Anaerobic digestion is identified as a suitable treatment method, and the study aims to explore the influence of clay supports on biokinetic parameters. The methodology section details the experimental setup, including the composition of the wastewater and the characteristics of the clay supports used. Results showed that methane production was highest in the first two days of operation, with varying yields depending on the type of support and temperature. The study concludes that lower temperatures enhance microbial activity and reduce toxic ammonia levels, recommending the use of esmectite, saponite, and sepiolite supports at 25 °C for optimal substrate removal.
This research paper is significant in the field of environmental engineering and wastewater treatment, particularly concerning the management of agricultural waste. With Spain being a major producer of swine, the findings contribute to the ongoing discussions about sustainable waste management practices. The research provides insights into optimizing anaerobic digestion processes, which are crucial for reducing environmental impacts and enhancing resource recovery from agricultural waste. The study's recommendations for using specific clay supports at lower temperatures can help improve the efficiency of methane production, making it a valuable resource for energy generation. Additionally, the article offers practical implications for farmers and wastewater treatment facilities looking to implement effective and sustainable waste management solutions.
