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Effect of organic loading rate on VFA production, organic matter removal and microbial activity of a two-stage thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactor

  • Asian Institute of Technology Thailand

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

240 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study focused on the VFA (volatile fatty acid) profile variation with organic loading rate (OLR) of a two stage thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactor (TAnMBR). The two stage TAnMBR treating high strength molasses-based synthetic wastewater was operated under a side-stream partial sedimentation mode at 55°C. Reactor performances were studied at different OLR ranging from 5 to 12kgCODm-3d-1. Operational performance of TAnMBR was monitored by assessing biological activity, organic removal efficiency, and VFA. The major intermediate products of anaerobic digestion were identified as acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, n-butyrate and valerate. Among them acetate and n-butyrate were identified as the most abundant components. Increase of OLR changes the predominant VFA type from acetic acid to n-butyric acid and the total VFA concentration was increased with increased OLR. Moreover, increased OLR increased organic removal efficiency up to second loading rate and dropped in third loading rate while biological activity was increased continuously.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5353-5360
Number of pages8
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume102
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2011
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Keywords

  • Biogas
  • Thermophilic anaerobic
  • Two stage anaerobic membrane bioreactor
  • Volatile fatty acids
  • Wastewater treatment

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