Pilot-scale high solids thermophilic anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste with an emphasis on nutrient requirements

A pilot study was conducted to assess the biodegradable organic fraction of municipal solid waste (BOF/MSW) as a substrate in a high-solids anaerobic digestion process. Results obtained indicate that a typical BOF/MSW in the United States is deficient in most macro and micro-nutrients required for robust and stable digestion. The BOF/MSW was supplemented with nutrient-rich organic wastes such as wastewater treatment plant sludges, dairy manure, and synthetic chemical solutions to correct nutritional deficiencies. The combined addition of wastewater treatment plant sludge and dairy manure to a typical BOF/MSW significantly elevated the gas production rate and enhanced the process stability. Microbial nutrient requirements are identified and nutrient concentrations for stable operation are quantified.