Long-term monodigestion of crude glycerol in a UASB reactor

The aim of this study was to discuss the experience from long-term operation of a laboratory UASB reactor inoculated with suspended or granulated biomass for the treatment of different kinds of crude glycerol in undiluted or diluted state. The UASB reactor was operated under mesophilic conditions. It was demonstrated that the anaerobic treatment of crude glycerol as the only substrate in the UASB reactor is feasible, although the specific inhibition effects and requirements resulting from the nature and composition of the g-phase have to be considered. Deficient concentrations of nutrients had to be compensated by their supplementation into the digester. Long-term microbiological treatment of undiluted crude glycerol led to the process inhibition due to the accumulation of dissolved inorganic salts. When dosing diluted g-phase previously treated by acidulation, very good removal efficiency of COD, stable biogas production and high share of methane in the biogas were observed at the organic loading rates of up to 12 kg/(m3 d).