Prevention of chemical and biological risks in anaerobic digester units

Anaerobic digestion or “methanisation” is the use of microorganisms to break down organic matter under controlled conditions and in the absence of oxygen. In general, the process pursues two recycling-for-energy goals: one by recovering methane (CH4) and the other by stabilising the organic waste with a view to recycling it by returning it in part to the soil.
It is a recent waste treatment channel that is experiencing high growth. This work aims to reinforce our knowledge of the sectors of activity in which anaerobic digester units are located and to study the chemical and biological pollution related to the influential parameters of anaerobic digestion methods.
This study will take place in three stages.
- Firstly, the sectors of activity in question and the anaerobic digestion methods implemented will be mapped.
- Following this inventory, measurement campaigns will be conducted in order to establish pollution levels in terms of gaseous compounds (VOCs, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide), of dust, and of bio-contaminants.
- Correlations between pollutant emissions and anaerobic digestion methods will then be sought in a final stage with a view to proposing solutions for keeping the risks induced by anaerobic digestion under control, and for reducing them.
The results will be given to the working group of the OSH network “conception des usines de compostage et méthanisation des déchets ménagers” (“design of plants for composting and anaerobic digestion of household refuse"), and a publication will be written, intended for professionals in the industry and for OSH specialists.