Valorization of Value-Added Resources from the Anaerobic Digestion of Swine-Raising Manure for Circular Economy in Taiwan

Abstract

Due to the benefits of mitigating greenhouse gas emission and upgrading farmland fertilization, the valorization of liquor and biogas digestate from the anaerobic digestion of swine manure has attracted much attention in recent years. This article is based on the updated data/information from the official websites for summarizing the status of the swine-raising industry and innovative manure management, relevant sustainable development indicators, and inter-ministry promotion regulations in Taiwan. The survey findings revealed that the carbon dioxide emission reduction in 2019 was equivalent to about 36,000 metric tons based on a total of 2.35 million metric tons liquor and biogas digestate applied and 2 million swine heads for the biogas-to-power. Obviously, the regulatory measures by the Council of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Administration, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs have provided economic and financial supports towards the reduction of 67.39 × 103 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. Using the principles of biorefinery and zero-waste, the integration of anaerobic digestion, by-products (liquor and digestate), and biogas-to-power for treating swine manure is a win-win-win option for environmental, energy, and economic benefits.

Biogas Production from Organic Wastes: Integrating Concepts of Circular Economy

“…Biogas and liquid biofertilizer Hydromechanical pretreated MFW + AD [23] Sewage sludge Energy using CHP AD in WWTP [6] Swine manure Energy and nutrient recovery (liquid fraction and digestate) AD [10] Municipal wastes Recycled material, Biogas, landfill cover Separate collection system + AD + land fill [24] In this manuscript, a description of the digestion technology and alternatives for improving biogas productivity and reducing digester size are analyzed as a way for reducing initial investment costs and enhancing treatment capacity. An introduction to the basics aspects of anaerobic digestion is presented along with different strategies found in the literature to improve performance and the expected effect on the digestion process.…”

“…There are several manuscripts available in the literature reporting the relevant role that anaerobic digestion should exert in a circular economy model, considering the capability of this process for producing energy from organics, manures, and a great diversity of agronomic wastes [10][11][12][13]. Table 1 lists the products associated with the role of anaerobic digestion in the circular economy based on scientific literature.…”

Performance Measurement Model for Sustainability Assessment of the Swine Supply Chain

“…Public investments and policies are also important. In Taiwan, for example, public investments in biodigesters have provided for biomass energy production, the reduction of greenhouse gases, the improvement of environmental quality, and the promotion of organic agriculture [15].…”

“…Also, new concepts, approaches, methods, and applications based on conceptual frameworks and empirical findings have been proposed in previous contributions. Indeed, sustainability perspectives in the supply chain have been approached using very different tools (e.g., multicriteria methods, sensitivity and risk analysis approaches), and highlighting buyer-supplier and interorganizational relationships from very different perspectives (e.g., in the automotive industry [11], the energy sector [12], considering the related externalities [13], and in specific supply chains, such as in the swine industry [14][15][16]). The literature offers several examples of theoretical and applied research for quantifying and establishing parameters for sustainability assessment in supply chains [17].…”

Anaerobic Digestion, Codigestion of Food Waste, and Chicken Dung: Correlation of Kinetic Parameters with Digester Performance and On-Farm Electrical Energy Generation Potential

“…Furthermore, several studies have emphasised that animal waste (i.e., CD, cow manure, etc.) has gained attention in bioenergy production, include biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas [9][10][11]. Specific to biogas production, CD has also been highlighted as potential feedstock either in a mono-or codigestion AD system [12,13].…”