Abstract
Three methods were used to estimate the ultimate biodegradability of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. These methods included: long-term batch digestion studies, measurement of lignin content, and chemostat studies. The ultimate biodegradability values obtained from these methods were compared to a field operation using a pilot scale, high-solids, complete-mix, thermophilic, anaerobic digestion process. The biodegradability obtained from the pilot study, at a mass retention time of 30 days, was approximately 83 and 81% of the estimated values obtained from the lignin content and the batch study, respectively. In addition, it has been shown that the contents of the biodegradable volatile solids affects the prediction of biogas production rate, the computation of the organic loading rate, and feedstock C/N ratio.
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