Study on the characterization of food waste as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion

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Date
2019-06
Authors
Nur Athirah Binti Azman
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Abstract
Anaerobic digestion process is one of the best solutions that can be used to reduce the degradation quality of our environment which is caused by the rising amount of food waste generation. However, few challenges might occur if this method is applied. The challenges are volatile fatty acid accumulation and process instability. Therefore, the characterization of food waste should be tested to control all of the parameters within the optimum amount. The objectives of this study are as follows, to classify food waste into its nutrient group, to characterize the physical and chemical properties of food waste, to conduct ultrasonic pre-treatment , and to assess the potential of food waste as a feedstock for biogas production. The methodology of this study starts with the sample collection and sample segregation process. After mixing and grinding process is done, the characterization of food waste is tested and ultrasonic pre-treatment is conducted. Lastly, the anaerobic digestion process was runned for one month. The data of biogas production from gas chromatography and water displacement method is analysed. The results from the collection sample show that carbohydrates (48%) gain the highest portion compared to fibre and protein, while the lowest portion was protein (27%). Based on the physical characteristics, the amount of moisture content is 68.40%, total solids is 27.39 and the volatile solid is 83.65%, while based on the chemical characteristics, the pH value obtained is 4.39, the chemical oxygen demand is 208,000 mg/L, total Kjedahl nitrogen is 6.13 mg/g and the amount of phosphorus is 1.4 mg/L. The highest micronutrient content in this food waste is calcium (290-369 mg/L) while the lowest is manganese (0.29-0.32 mg/L). The highest biogas production is obtained from the food waste sample that be treated for 30 minutes which is about 479.48 mL. This shows that ultrasonic pre treatment process is effective for the enhancement of biogas production.
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