Anaerobic Digestion Processes

Dear Colleagues,

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of biomass and organic waste has an important potential for the generation of renewable and sustainable energy. Methane, the desired product from AD, can be used for electricity, heat and as transport fuel. Although AD has been in commercial use for many decades, most of its potential for energy generation is yet to be delivered.

In recent years, research has also been looking into the use of AD for the production of chemicals other than methane, e.g., organic acids and hydrogen. These chemicals, used for many purposes in the chemical and food industry, are currently mainly produced from fossil fuels. Their production from biomass and organic waste via AD could represent a big step forward for a sustainable chemical industry that uses renewable feedstocks.

Research, innovation and process development are required for AD to deliver its full potential for the production of bioenergy and biochemicals. Increase in conversion yields, process productivity, product concentration and reduction in process costs are among the factors that can advance AD technology. This topic covers high-quality work that contributes to advancing AD and getting it closer to delivering its full potential. Topics include but are not limited to:

• Innovative AD processes;
• Improvements in AD technology and processes;
• Pre-treatments;
• New sustainable feedstocks;
• Use of AD for organic acids and hydrogen production;
• Microbiology of AD;
• Economics and life cycle assessment of AD;
• AD of municipal and industrial wastewaters.

Dr. Davide Dionisi
Dr. Yue Zhang
Topic Editors