Characteristics of Substrates Used for Biogas Production in Terms of Water Content

Abstract

New technologies based on the anaerobic digestion process make it possible to manage problematic waste. Methane efficiency depends largely on the level of the hydration of the substrates used for biogas production and their ability to decompose easily. The aim of this study was to present the current state of knowledge and practices in substrate hydration characteristics, focusing on pretreatment methods as the preferred method for improving efficiency. The paper discusses issues related to the degree of hydration of substrates in the context of their use in biogas plants. Reference was also made to topics related to the transportation and logistics of raw material supply regarding environmental impact. Biogas plant projects should be expanded to include an element related to assessing the impact of raw material deliveries on the immediate environment. Previous papers have not sufficiently analyzed the aspect related to the hydration of substrates used in anaerobic digestion processes. The presented and discussed research results can be implemented to optimize biogas plant water management processes. By replacing standard feedstock transportation methods with a pipeline, the environmental impact can be reduced by nearly ten times.