Temperature effects on upflow anaerobic filter performance

Abstract
An anaerobic filter was operated in the upflow mode at 40, 30, 26, 20 and 16°C and at organic loading rates up to 11 g COD 1−1 day−1. COD removal efficiencies of 95% were reached at the highest temperature and the lowest values occurred at 16°C. Gas production decreased as temperature decreased up to one volume of biogas (CH4 content average 76.2%) per volume of liquid fed. The washout was influenced by the hydraulic load and an examination of the biofilm revealed two different predominant population groups.