LAUSR

Abstract Anaerobic co-digestion of solid wastes with activated sludge for biogas production is an alternative and effective cleaner process of energy production from waste matter. This study comprehensively evaluated the suitability of Tea Powder Waste as an alternative co-substrate for higher biogas production. Biochemical Methane Potential analyses were performed on the anaerobic co-digestion of carbon-rich organic solid waste and Tea Powder Waste with the presence of Methanogens in activated sludge. The process parameters for the co-digestion of organic waste with Tea Powder Waste were optimized in order to achieve higher biogas production. Biogas producing reactors, with the organic wastes and methanogens activated sludge, were maintained under a mesophilic temperature (35 ± 2 °C) for 60 days retention period. The influence of various process parameters on the production of biomethane were analyzed. The optimized feed ratio of 1:2:1 (FFV: TPW: MAS) showed higher methane yield. Nitrogenous compounds present in Tea Powder Waste increased the methane production by four folds. The co-digestion of wastes showed 65% yield when compared to 40% yield as in mono-digestion of wastes.