The WEF Sustainable Utilities Task Force presents a resource for utility managers seeking examples of succesful sustainability practices

CO-DIGESTION WITH ALGAE BIOMASS FOR INCREASED RENEWABLE ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER

City of Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Plant
Sunnyvale, California

At wastewater treatment pond facilities where removal of algae suspended solids is
required, the harvested biomass is often returned to the ponds for disposal. This biomass
is potentially valuable as a biofuel feedstock, and in the context of wastewater treatment
plants, biogas is currently the most practical biofuel to produce. While future algal high
rate pond treatment facilities, which maximize algae production for nutrient removal,
would integrate algae digesters, existing pond facilities may benefit in the immediate
future from algae digestion or co-digestion to increase production of renewable energy.


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Posted: May 20th, 2011 | Filed under: 100K-500K, Stormwater, Waste Water Treatment, Water Treatment | Tags: , , , , , , , | No Comments »