Influence of mix ratio of potato peel and pig manure on reaction kinetics and methane recovery from anaerobic co-digestion
The potential improvement in methane recovery and reaction kinetics from different mixes of potato peel (PP) and pig manure (PM) in a single stage anaerobic co-digestion/mono-digestion process was investigated in a laboratory study. The highest methane yield of 231 mL/g TCODadded was observed in the 50:50 mix of potato peel and pig manure. Compared to the mono-digested substrates, co-digestion of PP and PM at 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 synergistically improved methane yield by 17%, 25% and 11%, respectively. The co-digested mixes also produced methane at a faster rate, with the fastest methane production rate occurring at the 50:50 mix. Thus, co-digestion of potato peel and pig manure enhanced the methane yield and reaction kinetics. Hence, co-digestion rather than mono-digestion should be actively considered when a carbon rich waste (such as potato peel) and nutrient rich waste (such as pig manure) are available within reasonable proximity.