Implementation of full scale codigestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sludge improves the energy balance of the WWTP

The effects of co-digestion of separately collected organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sludge in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were studied. It was observed that the treatment of 10 tons per day of organic waste determined an increase in the organic loading rate which passed from 0.73 to 1.38 kgVS per m3 per day and allowed for a substantial increase in biogas generation from 1321 to 2723 m3/d and consequent energy recovery with a considerable energy recovery. The daily potential power generation through turbines systems was calculated in 3900 kWh and 7800 kWh for the anaerobic digestion of sludge and in co-digestion regime, respectively. The last is equivalent to 85% of the total energy consumption of the WWTP.