Laboratory scale experimentation for RBCOD production from OFMSW for BNR systems: Results and kinetics

In this paper results of a laboratory-scale experimentation on anaerobic fe rmentation of the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes (OFMSW) are pr esented. The aim of the experimentation was the evaluation of the productio n of readily biodegradable COD to be used in biological nutrient removal (B NR) plants. A 3.51 glass reactor was built and the process was run under me sophilic conditions (32 degreesC) without pH control. A batch test and five runs at different hydraulic retention times were performed, at 1.5, 3. 4, 5. and 6 days, respectively. An intermittent step-feed strategy was adopted . The feeding material came from the selective collection of municipal soli d wastes, and was shredded and diluted with tap water. The kinetics of the hydrolytic process has been characterised by two parameters. The kinetic mo del has been related to the hydraulic retention time and can be used for de sign purposes.