Effect of direct enzyme addition on the anaerobic digestion of OFMSW

Abstract

<p>The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) has high biodegradability and is a good feedstock for anaerobic digestion (AD). However, the solubilization of OFMSW is a limiting factor for AD. In this study, enzyme treatment was investigated to increase the conversion of complex materials of OFMSW into soluble fractions. Six different concentrations (0.15, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/VS_added) of the alpha amylase enzyme (obtained from Aspergillus oryzae) were directly added as a powder and automated biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests were performed under thermophilic conditions. According to BMP tests, the methane (CH₄) yield increased up to 17.5 % and the lag phase decreased to 19.3 % after enzyme addition. The highest CH₄ yield and shortest lag phase were obtained when 0.5 mg of enzyme/VS_added was added to the reactor. These findings suggest that direct alpha amylase enzyme application obtained from Aspergillus oryzae can be used to increase biogas production by enhancing solubilization of OFMSW for AD.</p>