Anaerobic Biodegradation of Solid Substrates from Agroindustrial Activities — Slaughterhouse Wastes and Agrowastes

Solid wastes from the meat industry are produced in large amounts resulting in a negative impact on the environment if not properly treated. Due to their high content of proteins and fats, these residues are excellent substrates for anaerobic digestion which holds high potential for methane yield. However, possible toxic compounds may be formed during its biodegradation with a consequent failure of the process under long-term operation. The anaerobic co-digestion of such residues with other co-substrates as those generated in agricultural activities has been proposed as a good alternative to overcome these problems. Nevertheless, today there is very little knowledge to assess on mixture interactions connected to wastes composition, biodegradability, and the kinetics of the anaerobic process when complex materials are utilized in ternary and quaternary mixture, specifically when co-digesting solid cattle slaughterhouse waste with agrowaste. It is therefore important to select the right combination of substrates and ratios to obtain synergy instead of antagonism in those mixtures. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the anaerobic digestion of solid slaughterhouse waste and agrowaste, as well as the influence of mixture interactions on its biodegradation.