Application of anaerobic digestion to the treatment of agroindustrial effluents in Latin America

Abstract

A 1994 survey of high rate anaerobic reactors employed in the treatment of agroindustrial effluents in Latin America is presented. Data including number, volume and type of reactors, their evolution with time and type of effluents are discussed. Latin America bas an increasing and significant participation in the application of anaerobic treatment to agroindustrial effluents. In particular, the design parameters of already operating reactors and the impact of applying this technology to the most typical effluents are analyzed. The equivalent energy of biogas that can be produced through this technology is given.