Comparison of the biodegradability of the grey fraction of municipal solid waste of Barcelona in mesophilic and thermophilic conditions.

The results of the start-up of two digesters in mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, together with its steady results at several organic loading rates are described. A kinetic study is also carried out which allows one to estimate the ultimate methane production, together with the first-order kinetic constant. Operation at thermophilic temperature yields better results as it allows a more loaded reactor and the methane production is slightly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]