A review on comparative study of aerobic and anaerobic digestion of organic waste
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2024.v09.n05.039Keywords:
Waste management, hydrolysis, microbial degradation, composting, methanogenesis, organic decomposition, bioenergyAbstract
The unabated accumulation of organic waste in the environment has emerged as a pressing global pollution challenge. Rapid population growth, accelerating urbanization, and industrial expansion have collectively intensified the difficulties associated with organic waste management. Among the array of treatment technologies, aerobic and anaerobic digestion have gained widespread recognition as sustainable biochemical processes capable of stabilizing organic residues while enabling resource recovery. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of these two technologies across multiple dimensions, including process mechanisms, digestive biochemistry, operational performance efficiency, environmental footprints, energy recovery potential, nutrient cycling dynamics, and economic viability. The evidence indicates that aerobic digestion excels in producing stable, high-quality compost that enhances soil physical and chemical properties. Conversely, anaerobic digestion offers distinct advantages in renewable energy generation (biogas) and mitigation of global warming potential through methane capture. The study concludes that rather than being mutually exclusive alternatives, these two technologies are inherently complementary; integrated systems that strategically combine both processes can optimize sustainable development outcomes within a circular bioeconomy framework.
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