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Description
Methane fermentation is becoming a key issue of the circularly economy. Polymeric material will have an increasing impact on the properties of the feed directed to bioreactors, and thus on the efficiency of biogas production, digestate quality and its susceptibility to composting, especially in terms of the presence of microplastics. The project draws attention to the growing problem with the appearance of a biodegradable polymers in the biomass used for methane fermentation, which in such configuration has not been thoroughly studied yet. The enhancement of biodegradable polymers decomposition during methane fermentation will be addressed with respect to intensification of microplastics degradation, thus selected biomass pre-treatment procedures will be used, which is in demand in existing and to be constructed biogas plants. Special focus is placed on digestate treatment by dewatering and composting, aimed at production of organic fertilizers. Process scale-up will be demonstrated and simplified method for estimation of fertilizing properties will be developed.
Gdansk University of Technology has extensive experience in the construction of pilot installations, both for the production of biomethane and its enrichment above 95% (i.e. the possibility of injection into the gas network). The methane fermentation process would not be complete without digestate treatment and composting, and this function will be performed by the Utilization Plant in Gdansk, which has a modern composting plant. The Utilization Plant will also supply biomass for the pilot installation at the GUT, which is a battery of two bioreactors with a volume of 1200 dm3 and 600 dm3 reactor for biomass thermolysis. Aquateam COWI AS has expert knowledge in the field of methane fermentation of biomass and, at the same time, experience in the characterization of microplastics, and will support the project in qualification and verification of technology performance.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was methane fermentation of the organic fraction of waste from selective collection and the organic fraction separated from mixed municipal waste. The project investigated possibilities of the organic fraction of municipal and industrial waste utilization for renewable energy (biogas) production. Additionally, the project focused on biodegradable polymers. The project was focus on an enhancement of biodegradable plastic decomposition during methane fermentation process.
A new methodology was developed regarding regional presence of bioplastics in food and kitchen waste from restaurants and bars.
An original method for biomass odor potential determination has been worked out. A brand new method for bioplastic particles characterization in the feed biomass and the digestate is under development. A procedure was developed for comprehensive analysis of the digestate.
The project results can also contribute to the solution for processing this waste, reducing the volume destined for landfills and generating renewable energy but more importantly the as the project has analysed the presence of microplastics in digestate, assessing the potential risks to the environment and human health its results could provide more understanding of the microplastics problem and the development of strategies to mitigate it.
The project will promote the transition towards a circular economy, reducing dependence on fossil resources and encouraging the reuse of waste as a valuable resource, in fact Anaerobic digestion of organic waste for biogas production represents a concrete example of this approach, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and renewable energy production. The technologies developed by the project, such as the mobile research system for anaerobic digestion, present business opportunities for companies operating in the waste management and renewable energy sectors and thus the implementation of these results and technologies can generate new jobs in the design, construction, and management of facilities.
Summary of bilateral results
The DIGEST-PLAST project has benefited from the collaboration between Polish and Norwegian partners as these partners possessed complementary skills in various areas, including process engineering, environmental analysis, and social sciences. The built sinergy has allowed the issue of waste management containing bioplastics to be investigated from different perspectives, facukutating exchange of knowledge and best practices between the partners. The Polish team benefited from Norwegian expertise in sludge management and biogas technology, while the Norwegian partner had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Polish context and specific challenges of the country.