Analyzing Feasibility of the Anaerobic Codigestion of Sewage Sludge with Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste as an Energy Alternative in Panama

This research was focused on analyzing the technical and economic feasibility of the anaerobic codigestion of sewage sludge with organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) as an energy alternative in Panama. The accumulation of waste in communities has caused health problems and the energy matrix is highly dependent on petroleum derivates and water. For this reason, biomass was chosen as an alternative renewable source. Data from the Caimito wastewater treatment plant and the El Diamante landfill, both in Panama Oeste, were used. The research method was to characterize sewage sludge and municipal waste; calculate biogas. Among the most important results, it was possible to calculate a methane yield of 11 930.14 m^3/d. It was found that the anaerobic codigestion method is feasible due to the increased production of methane, which can be used for many energy purposes.