Two-reactor system with partial phase separation for anaerobic treatment of olive oil mill effluents

摘要: Previous works on the anaerobic treatment of olive oil mill effluents (OME) have shown that inhibition methane production is mainly caused by presence lipids. Saturation unsaturated long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) key factor to prevent methanogenesis. This paper reports experimentation carried out in a semi-continuous lab scale two-reactor system fed with diluted OME. Phase separation (acidogenesis and methanogenesis) was not complete two reactors. Indeed, moderate methanogenic activity allowed be established first reactor. scheme proved suitable obtain an almost quantitative biotransformation LCFAs palmitic acid reactor, thus drastically lowering lipid methanogenesis second The addition easily biodegradable substrate such as glucose did improve biodegradation polyphenols. A continuous flushing N2/CO2 through ‘acidogenic’ reactor promote β-oxidation acid. partial phase could find useful application for any lipid-containing wastewater.