Abstract
This work reviews the application of the hygienization-related technology to the inactivation of pathogens in biowastes prior to anaerobic digestion. First, the paper focused on the existing thermal pasteurization from the perspectives of the worldwide regulations and its energy consumption in biogas plants. In addition, the study attention was attributed to the emerging alternative pasteurization technologies (i.e. Pulsed Electric Fields, High Hydrostatic Pressure, Power Ultrasound, Microwaves and chemical pretreatment). These technologies have been developed and well-studied for food-processing industries. Finally, the effect of these technologies, either traditional thermal treatment or emerging non-thermal treatment, on the methane potential of biowastes was discussed.
