Occurrence, Fate, and Implications of Heavy Metals during Anaerobic Digestion: A Review

Rahul Kadam, Kamonwan Khanthong, Heewon Jang, Jonghwa Lee and Jungyu Park ()
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Rahul Kadam: Department of Advanced Energy Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
Kamonwan Khanthong: Department of Advanced Energy Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
Heewon Jang: Department of Advanced Energy Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
Jonghwa Lee: Department of Advanced Energy Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
Jungyu Park: Department of Advanced Energy Engineering, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 22, 1-13

Abstract: Over the years, anaerobic digestion (AD) has evolved as a competent technology to retrieve energy potential from various organic substrates, including wastewater. However, the energy metabolisms of anaerobic microorganisms, biochemical reactions, and biogas production are affected by various parameters, including heavy metals. It is important to understand the interaction of heavy metals with anaerobes and their potential influence on the process to enhance energy potential. This review methodically outlines the occurrence and role of heavy metals in the AD process. Additionally, the repercussions of the most common heavy metals (i.e., Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, and Ni) on each stage of AD (i.e., hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis) have been discussed. We found that traces of heavy metals can endorse anaerobic digestion, but inhibition increases with increasing concentration. Methanogenic archaea are more susceptible to heavy metal inhibition than hydrolytic and acidogenic archaea. An improved understanding and relevant intuition will help to promote biogas production along with heavy metal management.

Keywords: anaerobic digestion; heavy metals; fate and effect; toxicity; remediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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