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Abstract
In this study, the effects of organic loading rates (OLRs) on anaerobic fermentation
of food waste were comprehensively evaluated using a hollow fiber type anaerobic membrane
bioreactor (HF-AnMBR). Compared to other OLRs, biogas production rate was highest
at the OLR of 9.72 g-COD/L/d, the organic matter removal efficiency was also significantly
higher and VFA was in lower concentration. COD conversion efficiency was as high as
92.9%, 85.3%, 82.6% and 80.4% at OLRs of 2.43, 4.86, 7.29 and 9.72 g-COD/L/d, respectively.
The major membrane fouling was caused by organic pore blocking, accounting for 59.6%
of the total hydraulic resistance after long-term operation. The performance of HF-AnMBR
was compared with a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a self-agitated reactor
(SAR). The higher operation OLRs, COD conversion efficiency and better effluent quality
achieved by the HF-AnMBR are evidences of a significant improvement in reactor performance
compared to CSTR and SAR.