Effect of Anaerobic Digestion Parameters for Enhanced Biogas Production in Wastewater Treatment Process Using Statistical Experimental Design Analysis

Abstract

—Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology has gained acceptance as an effective method for biogas production, providing an alternative energy source and wastewater treatment solution. This study examines the influence of key parameters, including influent Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), and reactor temperature, on the %CH4 content in biogas, which serves as an indicator of biogas quality, using a UASB reactor. A simulation model was developed in Aspen Plus, employing a 2^k factorial design to analyze wastewater treatment and biogas production processes. The results highlight HRT as the most influential parameter affecting %CH4 content. The study confirms that longer HRTs enhance organic compound degradation, thereby improving CH4 production efficiency by providing ample time for substrate conversion. Higher influent COD levels also contribute to increased CH4 yield by boosting available organic matter. Optimizing these factors is critical for maximizing CH4 production efficiency and improving wastewater treatment quality, underscoring the importance of sustainable biogas production and wastewater treatment technologies.