Use of Fermentation for Sewage Waste Treated with Microbe Use for Producing of Manure

Fermentation is a biological process that involves the conversion of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. It is commonly used in various applications, including sewage treatment and the production of manure.

When sewage waste is treated with microbes through fermentation, the process is known as anaerobic digestion. In this process, specialized microorganisms, primarily bacteria, break down the organic matter present in sewage in an oxygen-free environment. This leads to the decomposition of organic materials, resulting in the production of biogas and a nutrient-rich by-product known as digestate or slurry, which can be used as manure.

1. Pre-Treatment: Before the wastewater can be introduced into the fermenter, it typically undergoes preliminary treatment. This step involves the removal of large solids, debris, and any non-biodegradable materials from the sewage. Pre-treatment helps prevent clogging and damage to the fermenter and ensures the efficiency of the subsequent stages.

2. Fermenter Setup:  The fermenter manufacturer makes sure it fermenter is a controlled environment designed to promote the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms. It is a vessel or tank where the sewage waste, along with the microbial culture, is introduced.

3. Microbial Inoculation: A specialized microbial culture, usually a mixture of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi capable of breaking down organic matter, is inoculated into the fermenter. These microbes play a crucial role in the fermentation process by metabolizing the organic pollutants present in the sewage.

4. Anaerobic Fermentation:  The fermenter operates under anaerobic conditions, meaning oxygen is kept at low levels or excluded entirely. Anaerobic fermentation is preferred for producing manure because it leads to the production of biogas, a valuable byproduct that can be harnessed for energy.

5. Microbial Digestion: Once the microbial culture is introduced and the fermenter is set up with the sewage waste, the microorganisms begin digesting the organic matter in the sewage. This digestion process involves the breakdown of complex organic compounds into simpler substances, such as volatile fatty acids, alcohols, and gases like methane.

6. Biogas Production: One of the significant benefits of using anaerobic fermentation is the production of biogas. The microbial digestion results in the generation of biogas, which is primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. The biogas can be collected and stored for later use as a renewable energy source.

7. Manure Formation: As the fermentation progresses, the microbial digestion transforms the sewage waste into a semi-liquid slurry or solid residue. This end product is rich in nutrients and is commonly referred to as “digested sludge” or “bio-slurry.” It serves as an excellent organic fertilizer, commonly known as manure.

8. Post-Treatment: After the fermentation process is complete, the manure or bio-slurry may undergo further treatment to improve its quality, reduce pathogens, or separate any remaining solids from the liquid portion.

9.Storage and Application: The final stage involves storing the produced manure appropriately and using it as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer for agricultural or horticultural purposes. The application of manure helps improve soil quality, enhances crop productivity, and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

Fermex Solutions LLP manufactures fermenters that can be used for these productions.

• Photobioreactor | Industrial Scale
• Photobioreactor | Pilot Scale

1. Efficient organic waste treatment: Fermenters provide a controlled environment for the anaerobic digestion process, ensuring efficient decomposition of organic matter present in sewage waste. This leads to the conversion of complex organic compounds into simpler compounds like methane and carbon dioxide.

2. Biogas production: One of the major byproducts of anaerobic digestion in fermenters is biogas, primarily composed of methane. Biogas can be harnessed and used as a renewable energy source for electricity generation and heating, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Manure production: The solid residue left after the anaerobic digestion process in fermenters is known as digestate or slurry. This digestate is a nutrient-rich organic material that can be used as a valuable biofertilizer or manure for agricultural purposes. It contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that enrich the soil and improve crop yields.

4. Waste reduction and odour control: Anaerobic digestion in fermenters significantly reduces the volume of sewage waste, making it easier to manage and reducing the environmental burden of waste disposal. Additionally, the process helps to control foul odours associated with untreated sewage waste.

5. Pathogen reduction: The anaerobic digestion process in fermenters helps in reducing the number of pathogens present in the sewage waste. This makes the resulting digestate safer for use as a soil amendment in agriculture, minimizing the risk of spreading harmful pathogens to crops and humans.

6. Sustainable waste management: By converting sewage waste into valuable resources like biogas and nutrient-rich manure, the use of fermenters promotes a more sustainable approach to waste management. It closes the loop on waste disposal and contributes to a circular economy model.

7. Greenhouse gas emission reduction: Since the methane produced during anaerobic digestion can be captured and used as an energy source, it helps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its capture and utilization in fermenters can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.