Effect of inoculum/additives on psychrophilic anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology has been adopted in several countries as a circular approach to organic waste management, biogas production (as an alternative energy source) and the use of the product of AD, digestate, as a soil ameliorant/fertilizer. In colder regions, heating of digesters are required to maintain biogas production (energy-consuming). This is because microorganisms arising from the organic waste in the digesters are unable to efficiently breakdown the organic waste to biogas at lower temperatures. This study seeks to investigate the effect of inoculum and other additives on low temperature or psychrophilic AD. The inoculum and/or additives may improve the efficiency of biogas production at lower temperatures.