Anaerobic digestion of organic residues and wastes

Abstract

Anaerobic microbial conversion of organic matter into a renewable energy source, so-called biogas, is a well-established process and state of the art. New techniques and technologies offer possibilities to treat pasty and solid organic wastes by means of anaerobic digestion (AD) as well as liquids. The implementation of this environmentally friendly technique depends widely on a political framework, creating and providing an economically attractive incentive for running AD plants (biogas plants). In Germany changing legislative restrictions and acts on granting priority to renewable energy sources offer thoughtprovoking impulses. In 2005, approximately 2,400 biogas plants in Germany with a total capacity of 450MWel demonstrate the technical and economical feasibility of AD of organic wastes and waste water (Fachverband Biogas, 2005). During the last years legislative restrictions concerning waste treatment and environmental protection were aggravated. Among others companies of the food industry were forced to rearrange their waste management. AD is one of the most interesting techniques available for organic production residues and wastes. This chapter illustrates principles of anaerobic codigestion and typical factors for operating a biogas plant. To highlight the benefits of treating organic residues and wastes by means of AD differences between aerobic and anaerobic microbial degradation are described in principle. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.