Australian Researchers Have Conducted an up-to-Date Review

Several enhancements to the anaerobic digestion of domestic sludge are reviewed: Granulation or startup of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, climate temperature constraints, and effluent quality. Carbon emissions – and thus the carbon footprint of water utilities – are now an important issue, so opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of both small and large wastewater treatment plants should be considered. The use of anaerobic rather than aerobic treatment processes would achieve this aim, because no aeration is required, and the methane generated can be used within the plant. High-rate anaerobic digesters are of great interest because of their high loading capacity and low sludge production. The most widely used of these are upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors. However, there are unresolved issues inhibiting the wider use of this technology in developing countries or in countries with climate temperature fluctuations, such as subtropical regions. Numerous studies have been carried out to enhance the performance of UASB reactors, but there is a lack of updated documentation. In the face of the existing limitations and the increasing importance of this technology, Australian researchers have conducted an up-to-date review of the performance enhancements of UASB reactors over the last decade. The researchers find that enhancing the startup and granulation in UASB reactors, and coupling with post-treatment unit to overcome the temperature constraint are key factors. They also highlight improving the removal efficiencies of the organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens in the final effluent. Source: workingwithwater