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Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery

Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery

  • 1st Edition - November 1, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Editors: André Bezerra dos Santos, Renato Carrhá Leitão
  • Language: English

Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery serves as a comprehensive guide to anaerobic digestion (AD) by covering fundam… Read more

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Description

Anaerobic Digestion for Resource Recovery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Integrated Biorefinery serves as a comprehensive guide to anaerobic digestion (AD) by covering fundamental principles, advanced techniques, and real-world applications of AD as applied to resource recovery, integrated biorefinery, and the circular economy. Chapters provide clear explanations, illustrative examples, and practical insights to explore the integration of AD in biorefinery operations, covering topics such as mass and energy balances, economical evaluations, environmental considerations, and upscaling strategies. Additionally, the book provides guidance on identifying and mitigating inhibitory factors that can limit the real-world applications of AD research.

This book equips readers with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in AD and biorefinery operations, and is very useful guide for students, researchers, and industry professionals working with, or looking to get into, research with anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, integrated biorefinery, and bioenergy technologies. The book will also provide useful information for decision makers, policymakers, and consultants working to make their business more sustainable and focus on circular economy practices.

Key features

  • Covers fundamental principles, advanced techniques, and real-world applications of AD as applied to resource recovery, integrated biorefinery, and the circular economy
  • Serves as a platform for researchers to share their latest case studies and real-life industrial applications for anaerobic digestion and resource recovery
  • Introduces both conventional and cutting-edge technologies that contribute to the advancement of successful anaerobic digestion

Readership

Students, researchers and industry professionals working with, or looking to get into research with anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, integrated biorefinery and bioenergy technologies

Table of contents

1. Fundamentals of anaerobic digestion

1.1 Introduction (including the types of solid/liquid biomasses)

1.2. Biochemistry of AD

1.3 Operational parameters that affect AD - Temperature - pH - Type of substrate - Substrate concentration - Nutritional aspects - HRT and SRT - Type of reactors

1.4 Types of digestion processes for solid biomass - Mesophilic and thermophilic - Dry, semi-dry and wet - Commercial reactors and basic characteristics

1.5 Types of digestion processes for liquid biomass - UASB - EGSB - IC - Anaerobic MBR - Anoxic/anaerobic MBBR - Other

1.6 AD and the biogeochemical cycles

1.7 Molecular biology tools to understand anaerobic microbiomes

1.8 Review questions


2. Anaerobic biorefinery towards organic waste valorization

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Integrated biorefinery

2.3 Anaerobic digestion as part of an integrated biorefinery (methanization, biohydrogen, carboxylic acid platforms, other)

2.4 Mass and energy balances

2.5 Economical evaluation

2.6 Environmental evaluation

2.7 Up-scaling

2.8 Summary and future outlooks

2.9 Review questions


3. Resource recovery from biomass

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Basic properties of the substrates

3.2.1 Structure

3.2.2 Composition

3.2.3 Source

3.3 Recovery of Chemical-based materials - Lignin - Proteins - Carbohydrates - Polymer - Ectoine (from biogas) - Other Chemicals

3.4 Recovery of Energy Biological - Bioethanol - Biogas - Biohydrogen - Biodiesel Non-biological - Pyrolysis - Oxidation - Gasification

3.5 Recovery of Nutrients

3.6 Recovery of other recent investigated compounds

3.7 Calculations on biogas production and energy recovery

3.8 Review questions


4. Pre-treatment for enhancing anaerobic digestion

4.1 Physical

4.2 Chemical and thermochemical

4.3 Steam explosion

4.4 Enzyme

4.5 Microaeration

4.4 Other strategies for enhancing anaerobic digestion

4.4.1 Additives and conductive materials

4.4.2 Anaerobic co-digestion

4.5 Summary and future outlooks

4.6 Review questions


5. Inhibition of anaerobic digestion by toxic compounds

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Mechanisms of Inhibition

5.3 Toxicity identification, symptoms and consequences in anaerobic systems

5.4 Source of toxic compounds

5.5 Main inorganic toxicants

5.6 Main organic toxicants

5.7 Strategies to control and overcome toxicity in anaerobic reactors

5.8 Future Perspectives and Challenges

5.9 Numerical examples 5.10 Review questions


6. Mathematical modeling

6.1 Introduction

6.2. Modeling approaches for biological processes

6.3 Implementation of ionic-equilibria, mass-transport limitations

6.4 Simulation of process chains / novel plant configurations

6.5 Simulation of process chains / novel plant configurations

6.6 Review questions


7. Anaerobic digestion of domestic sewage for methanization

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Design of anaerobic reactors (UASB, anaerobic filter)

7.3 Efficiencies for macro and micropollutants/contaminants of emerging concern

7.4 Main operational failures

7.5 Examples of high-rate anaerobic reactors design and energetic calculations

7.6 Summary and future outlooks

7.7 Review questions


8. Anaerobic digestion of industrial wastewaters for methanization

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Types of industrial wastewaters

8.3 Design of anaerobic reactors (EGSB, IC, anaerobic MBR, anoxic/anaerobic MBBR)

8.4 Efficiencies for macro and micropollutants/contaminants of emerging concern

8.5 Efficiencies for recalcitrant and priority compounds

8.6 Main operational failures

8.7 Examples of high-rate anaerobic reactors design and energetic calculations

8.8 Summary and future outlooks

8.9 Review questions


9. Applying the biohydrogen platform for solid and liquid biomass

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry

9.2.1 Key microorganisms

9.2.2 Metabolic pathways

9.2.3 Microbial characteristics

9.2.4 Strategies for cultivating a hydrogenogenic sludge and supressing methanogens

9.3 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used (including MFC and EFC)

9.4. Research and full-scale experiences and biohydrogen application

9.5 Summary and future outlooks

9.6 Numerical examples 9.7 Review questions


10. Production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and applying the carboxylic platform for solid and liquid biomass

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry

10.2.1 Key microorganisms

10.2.2 Metabolic pathways

10.2.3 Microbial characteristics

10.3 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used

10.4 Carboxylic Acids Recovery

10.4.1 Solvent extraction recovery

10.4.2 Membrane separation

10.5. Research and full-scale experiences

10.6 Summary and future outlooks

10.7 Numerical examples

10.8 Review questions


11. Anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass (LB)

11.1 Introduction and types of LB

11.2 Basic features

11.2.1 Composition

11.2.2 Source

11.3 Applied pre-treatments

11.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used

11.5 Full-scale applications

11.6 Resource recovery

11.7 Summary and future outlooks

11.8 Numerical examples

11.9 Review questions


12. Anaerobic digestion of food waste

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Basic features

12.2.1 Composition

12.2.2 Source

12.3 Applied pre-treatments

12.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used

12.6 Full-scale applications

12.5 Resource recovery

12.7 Summary and future outlooks

12.8 Numerical examples

12.9 Review questions


13. Anaerobic digestion of manure

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Basic features

13.2.1 Types of sludge

13.2.2 Composition

13.3 Applied pre-treatments

13.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used

13.5 Resource recovery

13.6 Summary and future outlooks

13.7 Numerical examples

13.8 Review questions


14. Sludge treatment and recovery

14.1 Introduction

14.2 Basic features

14.2.1 Types of sludge

14.2.2 Composition

14.3 Applied pre-treatments

14.4 Types of reactors, designing and operational conditions used

14.5 Resource recovery

14.6 Summary and future outlooks

14.7 Numerical examples

14.8 Review questions


15. Biogas treatment and upgrading technologies for solid and liquid biomass

15.1 Introduction

15.2 Removal of CO2

15.2.1 Physical/chemical CO2 removal technologies

15.2.2 Biological CO2 removal technologies

15.2.3 CO2 removal by in situ desorption

15.3 Removal of hydrogen sulphide

15.3.1 Physical/chemical H2S removal technologies

15.3.2 Biological H2S removal technologies

15.4 Removal of H2O

15.5 Removal of other trace pollutants

15.5.1 Removal of O2 and N2

15.5.2 Removal of halogenated compounds

15.5.3 Removal of siloxanes

15.5.4 Removal of ammonia

15.6 Summary and future outlooks

15.7 Numerical examples

15.8 Review questions


16. Power-to-X based on biogas from Anaerobic Digestion Processes

16.1 Biogas Production Processes

16.1.1 Definition and composition of biogas

16.1.2 Production methods for biogas and hydrogen

16.1.3 Biogas purification and upgrading techniques

16.2 Hydrogen Production Techniques

16.2.1 Steam methane reforming

16.2.2 Dry reforming

16.2.3 Bi-reforming

16.2.4 Electrolysis of water

16.2.5 Biomass gasification

16.2.6 Photoelectrochemical and photobiological methods

16.2.7 Dark fermentation

16.2.8 Plasmalysis

16.3 Conversion Technologies

16.3.1 Biogas upgrading to biomethane

16.3.2 Hydrogen purification and compression

16.3.3 Fuel cell technologies for hydrogen conversion

16.3.4 Combustion and cogeneration systems for biogas utilization

16.4 Applications of Biogas and Hydrogen

16.4.1 Electricity generation

16.4.2 Heat production for industrial processes

16.4.3 Transportation fuels

16.4.4 Energy storage applications

16.5 Challenges and Solutions

16.5.1 Variability of biogas composition

16.5.2 Infrastructure development for hydrogen distribution

16.5.3 Technological advancements and research needs

16.6 Case Studies and Success Stories

16.6.1 Examples of successful biogas and hydrogen projects

16.6.2 Lessons learned and best practices

16.7 Future Outlook

16.7.1 Emerging trends in biogas and hydrogen technology

16.7.2 Potential for integration with other renewable energy sources

16.8 Summary and future outlooks

16.9 Numerical examples

16.10 Review questions


17. Economical Evaluation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Anaerobic Digestion

17.1 Economical Evaluation on Anaerobic Digestion

17.1.1 Introduction

17.1.1.1 Contextualization

17.1.1.2 Project development phases

17.1.1.3 Importance of economic analysis and modeling

17.1.1.4 Factors affecting investments, production costs and revenues

17.1.2 Industrial modeling

17.1.2.1 Process design

17.1.2.2 Mass and energy balance

17.1.2.3 Sizing of equipment and systems

17.1.2.4 Sizing of industrial utilities

17.1.3 Calculation of fixed investment

17.1.3.1 Components of fixed investment

17.1.3.2 Estimation methods

17.1.3.3 Cost of process equipment

17.1.4 Calculation of working capital

17.1.4.1 Components of working capital

17.1.4.2 Estimation methods

17.1.5 Revenue and cost projection

17.1.5.1 Capacity Factor Projects and Annual Volumes

17.1.5.2 Pricing of raw materials, inputs, products and co-products

17.1.5.3 Relevant taxation

17.1.5.4 Indirect expenses

17.1.5.5 Margins, profits and cash generation

17.1.6 Cash flow and profitability indicators

17.1.6.1 Definition of cash flow

17.1.6.2 Cash flow time horizon

17.1.6.3 Minimum attractiveness rate

17.1.6.4 Profitability indicators

17.1.6.5 Leverage

17.1.7 Sensitivity analysis

17.1.8 Project financing of industrial projects

17.1.9 Case Studies and Examples

17.1.10 Challenges and Opportunities

17.1.11 Numerical examples

17.2 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Anaerobic Digestion

17.2.1 Goal and Scope Definition

17.2.2 Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)

17.2.3 Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)

17.2.4 Interpretation and Sensitivity Analysis

17.2.5 Applications and Recommendations

17.2.6. Case Studies and Examples

17.3 Summary and future outlooks

17.4 Review questions

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: November 1, 2026
  • Language: English

About the editors

AB

André Bezerra dos Santos

André dos Santos holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil (1998) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands (2005). He is a Full/Titular Professor at the Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil. He has worked for 25 years in the field of environmental technology, and currently is editor-in-chief of two prestigious Brazilian journals, associate editor of the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Elsevier) and Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (ASCE), and ad-hoc of more than forty journals.. He has already received many professional and scientific prizes, such as Top-25 most cited articles from Bioresource Technology from 2007 – 2010, Elsevier (2010).

Affiliations and expertise
Professor, Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil

RL

Renato Carrhá Leitão

Renato Carrhá Leitão holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Ceará, Brazil (1988) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, The Netherlands (2004). From 1991 to 2000 he worked at the Water Resources Office of Ceará State as design analyst; at the Meteorological and Water Resource Foundation of Ceará State as environmental engineer, at the private firm Gaia Environmental Consulting S/A as managing partner and CEO, and finally at the private firm Engesoft Engineering and Consulting S/A as project/design manager. Since 2016, he is Senior Researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and Permanent Professor at the Post Graduate Program in Natural Science, State University of Ceara, Brazil, where he coordinates investigation on environmental management, agro-industrial waste and wastewater treatment and reuse, anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste(water) for biogas, hydrogen and organic acids production, and on process development for separation of high added-value product from lignocellulosic biomass.

Affiliations and expertise
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), State University of Ceará, Brazil