Anaerobic Digestion and Waste Water

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded $200k to Georgia Southern University to conduct a feasibility study to advance the understanding of how existing Anaerobic Digestion capacity at pulp and paper mills can be sustainably leveraged to treat food waste from university campuses. In anaerobic digestion, microbes break down (digest) organic matter in waste from animals, food, and wastewater without oxygen. This occurs in a small, sealed container called a reactor, specifically designed for the type of waste used. The complex microbe community that lives in the reactor digests industrial waste and creates biogas that can be used for energy. Led by Drs. Stetson Rowles, Francisco Cubas, and Asli Aslan, this project aims to reduce food waste going into landfills by feeding anaerobic digestors with the food waste created at university campuses. These advanced anaerobic digestors will improve industrial wastewater treatment capacity, protecting our water environment. 

Last updated: 2/8/2024