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EUBCE 2026 - Lukas KNOLL - Composting of Anaerobic Digestate: Impact of Plant Configuration and Process Management on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions

Composting of Anaerobic Digestate: Impact of Plant Configuration and Process Management on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions

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Biofuels and GHG implications

Composting of Anaerobic Digestate: Impact of Plant Configuration and Process Management on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions

Short Introductive summary

This study reveals new insights into the emission dynamics of AD plants with subsequent digestate composting. By systematically analysing emission data from open and enclosed composting systems, the study identifies significant mitigation potential for climate-relevant gases (CH4 and N2O) in closed post-composting setups. This highlights the substantial influence of post-treatment on the overall GHG footprint of such facilities. All of the enclosed systems examined operate with active aeration to ensure a continuous supply of O2 and stable process conditions. In contrast, only around 20% of open systems use active aeration, which is essential for preventing anaerobic conditions that can result in increased CH4 N2O (Denitrification) and NH3 emissions. Consequently, differences in aeration strategy and system design markedly impact the magnitude and composition of gaseous emissions.

Presenter

Moderator portrait

Lukas KNOLL

DBFZ-Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige, Biochemical Conversion Dpt., GERMANY

Presenter's biography

Lukas Knoll studied Process Engineering in Berlin. After his master’s degree, he worked in Austria as a junior researcher in biogas technology. Since October 2020, he has been a research associate at DBFZ, focusing on emission measurements in the biogas sector within the System Optimization group.

Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited


Co-authors:

J. Matlach, Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum, Leipzig, GERMANY
L. Knoll, Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnützige, Leipzig, GERMANY

Session reference: 2CV.10.2