MASc Thesis Oral Defence, Caroline Cimon: Effect Of Biochar And Wood Ash Amendment On Biochemical Methane Production Of Wastewater Sludge From A Temperature Phase Anaerobic Digestion Process

Master of Applied Science Oral Defence – Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering

Caroline Cimon will defend the thesis titled:

Effect Of Biochar And Wood Ash Amendment On Biochemical Methane Production Of Wastewater Sludge From A Temperature Phase Anaerobic Digestion Process

In Canada, sludge processing accounts for 50% of the cost of operating wastewater treatment plants. Conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biochemical process that reduces the volume of sludge and produces consumable energy in the form of methane. However, it requires a long time (> 20 days). Addition of biochar could increase diversity and retention of microorganisms in AD while increasing methane production rate and, therefore, reduce operation and capital costs.

This study compares biochar with a lower priced similar material, wood ash, the findings show that both materials can have positive effects on AD efficacy. Adsorption of volatile fatty acids by biochar is a factor that was considered for the first time in this research. Studies on biochar and its potential adverse effects to AD are important to assist decision makers in choosing the right type of media to enrich microbial cultures and enhance methane production rate.