Solid-Phase Methane Fermentation of Solid Wastes

This paper presents the development of a novel solid-phase methane fermentation process involving acidic bioleachate production from an organic bed and biomethanation of the bed-liquefaction products in an external methane digester. Process operation with municipal solid waste showed that about 81 percent of the biodegradable volatile solids (VS) could be stabilized during three months of batch operation to afford a methane yield of 0.21 std m³ / kg VS added under ambient (∼25°C) conditions; this compares favorably with an ultimate mesophilic (35°C) methane yield of 0.26 std m³ / kg VS added.