Methods for the conversion of fish waste from aquaculture systems to methane via a modified UASB reactor

摘要

A process for treatment of sludge made up of saline organic solids or organic waste produced in a saltwater or brackish aquaculture system is described. The process includes use of a modified reactor, operating under anaerobic conditions, which yields methane from the digestion of the saline organic solids. Modification of a traditional reactor to include a packing substrate provides for saline waste digestion not previously known. Additionally provided is a process for producing methane from the digestion of organic solids. Inclusion of and use of modified reactors in aquaculture systems is also provided.

主权项

1. A method of digesting saline organic solids produced in an aquaculture system, the method comprising the steps of:
a) receiving a saline medium having the salinity of natural seawater or higher into a modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, the medium comprising organic solids generated by a marine aquaculture system and the UASB reactor comprising a biofilm on a packing material, the biofilm comprising a methanogenic consortium of microorganisms, wherein the organic solids affix to the packing material and form further microbial biofilms without formation of microbial aggregates into granules in the UASB reactor; and b) processing the saline medium in the UASB reactor such that the solids are degraded and methane is produced.