In Addition to More Biogas, What are the Side-Effects of Co-Digestion, and Strategies To Minimize These Effects

Transitioning toward energy neutral or positive operation at water resource reclamation facilities (WRRF) requires an integrated approach whereby energy recovery is maximized while energy consumption is reduced. Co-digestion of high strength organic wastes (HSWs) that contain readily degradable, high energy density organics with wastewater solids represents an opportunity for WRRFs to increase biogas production using existing digester capacity. The additional digester gas can be captured and utilized for a variety of purposes including combined heat and power, generation of CNG/LNG for pipeline or vehicle fuel, or other beneficial uses.This discussion will review the overall research approach, summarize the findings of the survey and identify several best management practices that can be adopted at WRRFs involved in co-digestion of high strength waste. The case studies included in the report from the research effort will be identified and summarized with the most relevant information from each case study.