Biochemical methane potential assay methodology for increased precision in yield estimation for low-end conditions

At European Union level, 10 million tons of sludge were generated per year as of 2008, 11.5 million tons recorded in 2015, with an expected rise to 13 million tons per year in 2020. Coupled with recent technological developments that have increased the efficiency of the processes through which biogas is obtained, the wastewater treatment industry has experienced increased competitiveness in sustainable developments. However, although the respective research field would benefit from the input of as many research centers as possible, the lack of highly specialized laboratories limits the participation of many actors. Finding a methodology for carrying out biochemical methane potential assays, that correlate the organic content of a substrate to a potential methane output, was thus targeted, with a focus on applicability in non-highly specialized laboratories. Such a procedure was determined through tests carried out for industrial and municipal wastewater applications, with a focus on the compatibility between the sludge and wastewater (inoculum and substrate).