Electrochemical resource recovery from digestate to prevent ammonia toxicity during anaerobic digestion

Environ Sci Technol. 2012 Nov 6;46(21):12209-16. doi: 10.1021/es3028154. Epub 2012 Oct 22.

Abstract

Ammonia inhibition during anaerobic digestion limits the substrate loading rate and endangers process stability. Furthermore, digestates are interesting feedstocks for nutrient recovery. In this lab-scale study, an electrochemical cell was used to investigate the NH(4)(+) flux from anode to cathode. Under optimal conditions with synthetic wastewater, an NH(4)(+) charge transfer efficiency of 96% and NH(4)(+) flux of 120 g N m(-2) d(-1) could be obtained at a concomitant electricity input of 5 kWh kg(-1) N removed. A more selective NH(4)(+) transfer could be established by maintaining a high concentration of other cations in the cathode compartment. Comparable NH(4)(+) fluxes could be obtained with digestate at an electrical power input of 13 kWh kg(-1) N removed and 41% current efficiency. The ammonium level in the digestate could be lowered from 2.1 to 0.8 - 1.2 g N L(-1). Interestingly, also potassium fluxes of up to 241 g K(+) m(-2) d(-1) could be obtained at 23% current efficiency. As the cathode can be operated at high pH without the need for chemical addition, stripping and absorption of dissolved ammonia could reach 100% efficiency. By valorization of the generated side products, this technology shows economic potential for practical application.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / chemistry*
  • Anaerobiosis
  • Bioreactors
  • Electrochemical Techniques
  • Electrodes
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*
  • Wastewater

Substances

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Waste Water
  • Ammonia