Effect of temperature and particle size of three types of municipal solid wastes on biochemical methane potential.

Abstract

The influence and possible interactions of temperature and particle size on the anaerobic treatment of municipal organic solid waste (MOSW) were evaluated using a biochemical methane potential test. The experiment consisted of reactors fed with three types of MOSW: food waste (FW), paper waste (PW), and yard waste (YW). The test temperatures were 35, 45, and 55 °C (all waste types). The particle sizes were 2, 12, and 22 mm for PW and YW and 0.6, 1.19 and 2 mm for FW. The rising temperature significantly enhanced the average methane production: from 183 ± 84 to 1701 ± 194 mL for FW, from 224 ± 137 to 1209 ± 320 mL for PW, and from 60 ± 6 to 1461 ± 74 mL for YW. The variation in particle size did not significantly interfere with methane production or the organic matter stabilization rate. Such low interference can be regarded as an important finding since, on a real scale, it may be economically viable considering that the reduction in granulometry may not be necessary, and less energy to handle the waste will be required. Moreover, directing organic waste toward biogas production holds significant socio-environmental importance by reducing environmental pollution and fostering the development of industries related to renewable energy and waste management.