Assessment of Biomethane Potential from Waste Activated Sludge in Swine Wastewater Treatment and Its Co-Digestion with Swine Slurry, Water Lily, and Lotus
Abstract
Waste activated sludge (WAS), a byproduct of livestock wastewater treatment, poses significant disposal challenges due to its low biodegradability and potential environmental impact. Anaerobic digestion (AD) offers a sustainable approach for methane recovery and sludge stabilization. This study evaluates the biomethane potential (BMP) of WAS and its co-digestion with swine slurry (SS), water lily (<i>Nymphaea</i> spp.), and lotus (<i>Nelumbo nucifera</i>) shoot biomass to enhance methane yield. Batch BMP assays were conducted at substrate-to-inoculum (S/I) ratios of 1.0 and 0.5, with methane production kinetics analyzed using the modified Gompertz model. Mono-digestion of WAS yielded 259.35–460.88 NmL CH<sub>4</sub>/g VS<sub>added</sub>, while co-digestion with SS, water lily, and lotus increased yields by 14.89%, 10.97%, and 16.89%, respectively, surpassing 500 NmL CH<sub>4</sub>/g VS<sub>added</sub>. All co-digestion combinations exhibited synergistic effects (α > 1), enhancing methane production beyond individual substrate contributions. Lower S/I ratios improved methane yields and biodegradability, highlighting the role of inoculum availability. Co-digestion reduced the lag phase limitations of WAS and plant biomass, improving process efficiency. These findings demonstrate that co-digesting WAS with nutrient-rich co-substrates optimizes biogas production, supporting sustainable sludge management and renewable energy recovery in livestock wastewater treatment systems.
Date
01-08-2025Author
Sartika Indah Amalia Sudiarto
Hong Lim Choi
Anriansyah Renggaman
Arumuganainar Suresh