Inhibition during anaerobic co-digestion of aqueous pyrolysis liquid from wastewater solids and synthetic primary sludge

Abstract

Pyrolysis can convert wastewater solids into useful byproducts such as pyrolysis gas (py-gas), bio-oil and biochar. However, pyrolysis also yields organic-rich aqueous pyrolysis liquid (APL), which presently has no beneficial use. Autocatalytic pyrolysis can beneficially increase py-gas production and eliminate bio-oil; however, APL is still generated. This study aimed to utilize APLs derived from conventional and autocatalytic wastewater solids pyrolysis as co-digestates to produce biomethane. Results showed that digester performance was not reduced when conventional APL was co-digested. Despite having a lower phenolics concentration, catalyzed APL inhibited methane production more than conventional APL and microbial community analysis revealed a concomitant reduction in acetoclastic Methanosaeta. Long-term (over 500-day) co-digestion of conventional APL with synthetic primary sludge was performed at different APL organic loading rates (OLRs). Acclimation resulted in a doubling of biomass tolerance to APL toxicity. However, at OLRs higher than 0.10 gCOD/Lr-d (COD = chemical oxygen demand, Lr = liter of reactor), methane production was inhibited. In conclusion, conventional APL COD was stoichiometrically converted to methane in quasi steady state, semi-continuous fed co-digesters at OLr ± 0.10 gCOD/Lr-d. Undetected organic compounds in the catalyzed APL ostensibly inhibited anaerobic digestion. Strategies such as use of specific acclimated inoculum, addition of biochar to the digester and pretreatment to remove toxicants may improve future APL digestion efforts.