Preliminary evaluation of the potential biogas production of food-processing industrial wastes

Abstract

Problem statement: An Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process, traditionally applied to wastewater and sewage sludge treatment, has a great potential in the valorization of foodprocessing industry wastes. Approach: This study is focused on the evaluation of the theoretical biogas and methane production of some food wastes, coming out from rice, hazelnut and wine processing, on the grounds of their physical-chemical characterization. Results: Almost all of the considered samples exhibited biogas theoretical yields equal to about 0.7-1.6 m3/kgVS and methane contents equal to about 40-60% v/v. Conclusion: Although the undeniable limitations of a theoretical evaluation, the gathered results may be useful in planning future experimental tests. © 2012 Science Publications.