Use of pilot-scale anaerobic reactors in decentralized systems of sewage treatment and post-treatment for water reuse

• Grant number: 10/00126-6
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2010
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal researcher: Marcelo Loureiro Garcia
• Grantee: Júlia Inforzato Guermandi
• Home Institution: Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exatas (IGCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The present work proposes an energetic assessment in anaerobic reactors treating domestic sewage. The energetic evaluation will be performed based on the bioprocess methane production and the energy consumption for the reactors operation. This balance will enable us to tell whether or not biogas utilization as a renewable energy source is feasible. In addition, effluent release standards will be investigated with respect to avaliable regulations. In comparison with aerobic treatment technologies, the application of the anaerobic process reduces reactor construction area, reduces sludge production, may reduce cost, and supports higher organic volumetric loading rates. More importantly, the methane production can be now decisive for the massive application of the anaerobic process on the treatment of wastewater; that is, if energy recovery is proven to be significantly efficient.