Abbas Ali Moserzadeh, Gholamreza Nabi Bidhendi, Nasser Mehrdadi, Mohammad Javad Amiri,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Background and Objective: A high concentration of Hydrogen Sulfide in biogas is a major problem associated with anaerobic digestion of waste rich in sulfate. It disrupts the functional process and reduces the lifespan of biogas facilities. The micro-aerobic (MA) process is an alternative method for direct sulfurization.
Materials and Methods: The effect of sulfate loading (200, 500 and 700 mg/L) on H2S in biogas were investigated. Subsequently, the effect of MA process (0.88, 1.04, 1.34 NL/day) on H2S reduction in biogas production was evaluated. Additionally, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and pH were measured. Finally, under optimal conditions, the biogas volume and the content of CH4 and CO2 in biogas were determined.
Results: The results indicated that there were no significant differences in biogas volume production between the reactor fed with 200 mg/L sulfate and the control. However, the biogas production in reactors with 500 and 700 mg/L sulfate decreased to 4103 and 3929 mL, respectively. The H2S levels in control and reactors with 200, 500, 700 mg/L sulfate were 0.35, 0.46, 2.4, and 1.8%, respectively. In reactors with MA at rates of 0, 0.88, 1.04, 1.34 NL/day, the H2S levels were 1.95%, 0.9%, 0.4% and 0.1% (V/V) in biogas, respectively. The pH in reactor varied between 2.7 and 4.7, and the ORP was measured between -281 and -291 mV. Statistical analysis shows that no significant difference was observed between the average daily production of biogas with MA process of 0.88 and 1.04 NL/day. However, MA with 1.34 NL/day resulted in a decrease in biogas production.
Conclusion: The results indicated MA at a rate of 1.04 NL/day is a favorable option for the treatment of sulfate-rich urban wastewater sludge due to its efficiency in H2S removal.
