Eco-Friendly and Effective Diatomaceous Earth/Peat (DEP) Microbial Carriers in the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Food Waste Products

This article aims to present the results of research on anaerobic digestion (AD) waste wafers (WF-control) and co-substrate system—waste cheese (WFC-control), combined with digested sewage sludge. The aim this study was assess physicochemical parameters diatomaceous earth/peat (DEP; 3:1) carrier material verify its impact enzymatic activity process performance. experiment conducted in a laboratory, periodical mode operation bioreactors, under mesophilic conditions. analyses morphological-dispersive, spectroscopic, adsorption, thermal, microbiological properties confirmed that tested can be an excellent option implement biotechnological processes, especially digestion. As part experiment, substrates, feedstock, fermenting slurry were subjected analysis for standard parameters. Monitoring course AD performed by measuring values key recognition stability process: pH, VFA/TA ratio (volatile fatty acids/total alkalinity), content NH4+, dehydrogenase activity, as indicator intensity respiratory metabolism microorganisms. No significant signals destabilization registered. highest process, maintained WFC + DEP system. microbial DEP, used first time digestion, had positive effect yield methane production. result, increase volume produced biogas obtained samples fermented WF 13.18% cumulative 411.04 m3 Mg−1 VS, while 12.85% 473.91 VS.