Use of Electric Arc Furnace Slag as an Additive in Biogas Production and Its Effects

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process in which organic wastes are converted into gases such as CH4, CO2, and H2S by microorganisms. In AD, using additives widespread approach to improve the anaerobic environment of microbial communities, increase microorganisms' activity, provide more biogas production. This study investigates effects adding electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) an additive AD system on methane EAFS was obtained from company that produces iron steel scrap added at specific concentrations (1-5%). Experiments were carried out mesophilic conditions (36±1 oC) during 30-day hydraulic retention time (HRT). As result batch experiments, end HRT, highest cumulative production R9 with 6021.90 mL 5% added, efficiency R7 219.8 mL.gVS-1 4% added. Furthermore, it determined addition increased yield.