Environmental Assessment of a Multifunctional Process Coupling Anaerobic Digestion and Pyrolysis

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a waste treatment technology based on organic matter degradation by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. This process generates two valuables products, biogas and digestate. While biogas is recognized and exploited for its energy potential, digestate could be an interesting fertilizer thanks to its rich-nutrient composition. However, implementation of AD still raises concerns about energy transportation, consequences of digestate spreading and poor conversion to carbon during digestion. To overcome the issues linked to AD, to integrate anaerobic digestion with the pyrolysis of digestate is an innovate path. This study aims to analyze sustainability of a multifunctional process coupling anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis. The process is applied to the treatment of sewage sludge and quinoa residue in co-digestion. To evaluate environmental impacts, life cycle assessment (LCA) is realized from a cradle-to-gate perspective, using SimaPro software (V8.5.2) and Environmental Footprint EF 3.0 method. Results underline that the main contributor to environmental impacts is the treatment of bio-oil, a pyrolysis product, while other impacts could be counterbalance thanks to energy production.