Study of a Two-phase Methane Fermentation System Equipped with Solubilization Treatment

Analysis of Performance and Microflora

Abstract

It is necessary to develop new treatment systems that can efficiently treat food waste in various places. In this research, we constructed a small-scale plant two-phase methane fermentation system equipped with solubilization. In a continuous seven month experiment, we analyzed performance and microflora in this system. We found that the solubilization process could handle a volumetric load of 150 ㎏-garbage/day and that the COD removal process could be operated at 94% or more. This system has the advantage of making possible the discharge of treated water into the sewer system. It is suggested that lactic acid bacteria converts waste material into lactic acid. A so far uncultured archaea Rice Cluster III is detected in the methane fermentation vessel.