Performance of Two Phase Anaerobic Digestion on Food Waste for Biogas Production

Every year, the total amount of solid waste generated in Peninsular Malaysia grew, according to the Malaysia government. The typical solid waste management system practiced in developing country brings many problems that can cause risks and hazards for living things and the environment in Malaysia if there are not managed properly. For example, illegal dumping cause groundwater and soil pollution. The methane gas produced from the landfill causes greenhouse effect. Food waste is categorized under household waste, where it is produced in residential areas, restaurants, cafeteria, markets and commercial areas. Therefore, anaerobic digestion process is introduced for organic waste with higher solids contents such as food waste as an alternative method. The effectiveness of anaerobic digestion process can be investigated through this process. In this study, two phase of anaerobic digesters was proposed. The reactor was operated at a temperature 35 degrees C, analyzed for biogas production, pH values and C/N ratio. The highest biogas production in this study is 50.4%. For a co-digestion containing more sludge can increase the pH value and biogas production.