Demonstration of Hybridized Processes for Waste to Energy under Partial Photocatalytic Processes

The present study reveals the carbon recovery potential from municipal solid waste (MSW) and wastewater by proximate physico-chemical analysis for the purpose of renewable energy production. MSW with cow dung (FS1) and wastewater (FS2) showed a C: N ratio of 43:1.2 and 16:0.8 respectively, which indicates significant carbon recovery potential. Cumulative methane production rates with different ratios of feed stocks were tested through batch scale bioreactors. Maximum cumulative methane yields of 346 ml and 367 ml were obtained under biomethanation processes with mixed ratios of 3:1 and 2:2 respectively for duration of 48 days. The effect of photocatalytic processes on the final methane yield under visible light source was studied by incorporating a suitable photocatalyst in the headspace of the bioreactor. Quantification of methane production rate was carried out by liquid displacement method and the accuracy was compared with the GC method using photocatalyst incorporated bioreactor.