Advanced bioconversion of biowaste for production of a peat substitute and renewable energy.
Traditional composting systems for biowaste generally produce low quality composts that may endanger recycling. A pilot-scale bioconversion process yielding quality compost and renewable energy was designed and tested. The process consisted of a set of wet physical separation units, composting and anaerobic digestion. Biowaste was divided in four streams by physical separation: (1) organic fraction >2 mm, (2) inorganic fraction 0.05-2 mm, (3) residual fraction composed of organics 0.05-2 mm and the fraction <0.05 mm and (4) a fraction solubilised in the washing water. The organic fraction >2 mm was composted and the compost, high in organic matter and low in EC and heavy metals, aimed at replacing peat in horticulture. The inorganic fraction 0.05-2 mm was completely made up of sand and can be used as a construction material. Solubilised organic matter in the washing water was converted to CH(4) by anaerobic digestion. The residual fraction can be used as landfill cover material.
Veeken
Adrie
A
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Systems Technology, Wageningen Agricultural University, P.O. Box 8129, Wageningen 6700 EV, The Netherlands. adrie.veeken@algemeen.mt.wau.nl
de Wilde
Vinnie
V
Woelders
Hans
H
Hamelers
Bert
B
D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D019149:Bioreactors; D008697:Methane; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D012987:Soil; D008697:Methane