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2024 • Water Environment Federation Anaerobic co-digestion: feedstock sampling and characterization

The anaerobic co-digestion: feedstock sampling and characterization factsheet provides guidelines for handling, sampling, and characterizing high-strength organic waste streams used in anaerobic co-digestion. It aids water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) in managing co-substrates like food waste, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to optimize biogas production while minimizing process risks. This tool supports WRRF managers, operators, and engineers in making informed decisions on feedstock integration, process design, and risk mitigation.

Recovered Materials & Products

Biogas

Waste Streams

Wastewater
Organic solid waste
Food processing by-products
Fat, oils and grease

Confirmed countries

Germany

What is this tool intended for?

This factsheet provides basic recommendations for the proper handling, sampling, and characterization of organic co-substrates for anaerobic co-digestion. It helps ensure process stability, maximize biogas production, and mitigate operational risks in WRRFs.

How does this tool work?

The factsheet outlines basic technologies and methodologies for:

  • Pre-processing and homogenizing co-substrates (using hammer mills, pulpers, and waste separation presses)
  • Developing sampling plans for representative data
  • Conducting lab tests (e.g., solids content, COD, nutrient analysis)
  • Process design considerations

Who might use this tool?

Water resource recovery facility managers, plant operators, and engineers, environmental regulators, and technology providers.

What stages of a process can this tool support?

  • Feedstock selection and acceptance
  • Process design and operational planning
  • Monitoring and quality control during co-digestion operations

What skills, capabilities and resources are required to use this tool?

  • Technical knowledge of anaerobic digestion processes
  • Access to laboratory equipment for sample analysis

Where can this tool be used?

Industrial anaerobic digestion plants and wastewater treatment facilities

Get the Tool

The guidelines are accesible in the link below. Sign in is required.
https://www.accesswater.org/?id=-10116126&fromsearch=true#iosfirsthighlight

Technologies

Themes

Assessment
Design
Technologies
Operation and maintenance