Biogas generation from sewage sludge (India)

This study deals with monitoring and evaluation of performance of biogas generation potential of sewage sludge. (i) Biogas yield from the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge generated from STP plant: It is observed that SBRs also can generate fair amount of biogas with an average CH4 concentration of 58% variable concentrations. (ii) Biogas yield from the co-digestion of sewage sludge with organic food waste/agricultural waste: Sewage sludge is mixed with food waste, raw vegetable waste and paddy straw, it was observed that the biogas generation doubled when compared with digestion of sludge alone. (iii) Suitability of anaerobically digested slurry as organic manure as per FCO (Fertilizer Control Order) criteria: It is found that digested liquid fermented discharge of the digester is as per the norms and can be used as a fertilizer/soil conditioner. (iv) Landfill area to be reduced: At least 30 % of landfill is reduced. (v) Improvement of environment by making use of sewer sludge. (vi) Finding an environment friendly solution to avoid dumping of STP Sludge from other STP’s and organic waste by municipal/government bodies across India: It is clearly observed that co-digestion yield is nearly double the yield of single sludge digestion. (vii) Avoid burning of diesel used for dumping sludge and solid waste: It is evident that over 30% of total sludge produced is converted to biogas, considering only this fact a huge cost saving in diesel and maintenance of trucks can be achieved.