Anaerobic Digestion for Agro-industrial Wastes: a Latin American perspective

Ivan Lopez, Liliana Borzacconi

The main aspects of the anaerobic digestion process are reviewed. The characteristics of the more important systems for the treatment of liquid and solid wastes are presented. High rate reactors for the treatment of liquid wastes such as the UASB (Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanquet), EGSB (Expanded Granular Sludge Bed) and IC (Internal Circulation) reactors are described. Additionally, different types of solid waste digesters are discussed. The valorization of wastes as a source of energy that contributes to minimization of the carbon footprint is highlighted. Additionally, the use of digestate as soil amendment and nutrient addition contributes to the environmental use of resources. Data related to the methane yield for different substrates are collected, and the potential of methane generation when the waste quantities are known is computed. Estimations from Latin-American countries and outside the region are reviewed to evaluate the impact on the energy demand.